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South Korea Equips Armored Vehicles with Anti-drone Defenses
Published: 2026/02/03 05:45:41
South Korea is rapidly adapting its armored vehicle fleet to counter the growing threat of small, unmanned aerial systems (drones). Recent images released by the Republic of Korea army (ROK Army) show K2 Black Panther main battle tanks adn K21 infantry fighting vehicles equipped with protective nets designed to mitigate the risk posed by enemy drones. This move reflects lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and signals a meaningful shift in defensive strategies.
The Rising Threat of Drones in Modern Warfare
The proliferation of commercially available drones, particularly First-Person View (FPV) and loitering munitions, has dramatically altered the landscape of modern warfare. These relatively inexpensive systems can be easily weaponized and pose a significant threat to even advanced military hardware. The war in Ukraine has starkly demonstrated the vulnerability of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to drone attacks, often targeting vulnerable areas like the turret and engine compartment. These drones frequently employ top-attack profiles, exploiting the thinner armor on the upper surfaces of armored vehicles.
South Korea’s Response: Lightweight Protective Nets
In response to this evolving threat, the R