ROK drone command cut training, budget despite North Korea’s advances: lawmaker | NK News
NK News Logo
September 16, 2026Sep 16, 2026

Weapon Directory

News

ROK drone command cut training, budget despite North Korea’s advances: lawmaker

Drone exercises fell by more than half as Seoul reorganizes the controversial unit

South Korea’s Drone Operation Command slashed drone training by over 50% and reduced spending by over $2 million since last year, a lawmaker from the country’s opposition party said Friday, arguing that Seoul’s counter-drone capabilities have weakened amid a reorganization effort. 

The command conducted 14 joint exercises with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and individual military branches this year, down from 32 joint exercises in 2024, according to a report from the office of Yu Yong-weon of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) citing data from the Ministry of Defense.

Independent training exercises by the command also fell 26%, from