S. Korea stages drills to counter N. Korean drone threats
In this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, South Korean Air Force's F15K fighter jets and U.S. Air Force's F-16 fighter jets, fly in formation during a joint drill in an undisclosed location in South Korea, Oct. 4. AP-Yonhap
The South Korean military conducted drills Thursday to strengthen its defense against potential drone-based provocations by North Korea, Seoul officials said, as it has vowed to adopt an "aggressive" approach to counter the renewed security challenge.
The drills were arranged after the military failed to shoot down five North Korean drones that violated the South's air space on Monday, in an infiltration that raised questions over its readiness posture.
They were expected to focus on mobilizing Army choppers, Air Force aircraft and detection devices for an integrated operation based on scenarios of border infiltration by the North's unmanned aerial vehicles.
In a midterm defense blueprint released Wednesday, the defense ministry said it plans to spend 560 billion won ($441 million) over the next five years for a set of anti-drone projects, including the deployment of a laser weapons system.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff has also laid out plans to aggressively utilize strike assets, stage regular drills and incorporate platforms capable of shooting down drones without causing damage to civilians. (Yonhap)