Official announcements from South Korea's arms procurement agency or verified news reports

South Korea to Deploy 'StarWars' Laser Weapons Targeting North Korean Drones This Year

Jul 11, 2024, 04:19 PM

South Korea is set to become the first country in the world to deploy and operate 'StarWars' laser weapons in the military. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that the country will begin mass production of the 'Laser based Anti-Aircraft Weapon Block-I', a 20kW class fiber laser system. This advanced weapon, which costs $1.50 per shot, is designed to intercept and shoot down small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones, specifically targeting those from North Korea. The deployment is planned for this year, with the system having successfully shot down small drones during testing. The initiative addresses security concerns posed by North Korean drones in recent years.