South Korea announced a sweeping plan to expand its unmanned combat capabilities, citing the changing nature of modern warfare and growing security threats from North Korea, whose drone capabilities have continued to advance with support from Russia.

In a press release Friday, Seoul’s Ministry of National Defense said the policy aims to transform the military into a leading unmanned combat force by accelerating the deployment of drones and counter-drone systems while fostering a domestic drone industry.

Officials said North Korea has continued to develop a range of military capabilities. 

At a press briefingannouncing the new plan Friday, Defense Minister