The Birth of the Loitering Munition
News reports confirmed that the South Korean hostage kidnapped in Iraq had been killed, as rescue efforts ultimately failed. Taesik headed to Starlink Defense in Gumi to inspect the progress of the drone development project.
"How far along is the development of the loitering munition?"
"We’ve finished the verification tests for the cardboard-based drone, and we’re scheduled to conduct the test for the high-end model today."
"Wait... you've already finished the verification tests for the cardboard drone?"
"The manufacturing process is simple, so we were able to finish quickly. I apologize for doubting you last time, Representative. After actually building it, I realized the cost-effectiveness is truly exceptional."
Hearing that the verification tests were complete, Taesik began to ask specific questions.
"What are the specifications for the cardboard drone?"
"It’s two meters in size with a maximum payload of about 5kg. We’ve confirmed that the actual flight range reaches up to 120km."
"A 5kg payload means it could have a lethal radius similar to a mortar. How long does it take to manufacture one out of cardboard?"
"It takes about 30 minutes for one person to assemble. We confirmed that by inputting GPS data into the terminal we developed, it reaches its destination via designated waypoints. We’re concerned about humidity, so we’re currently debating whether to apply wax or use cardboard with a transparent film attached for rainy weather."
"I’d like to see it for myself."
"It’s prepared on-site."
As the two moved toward the production floor, they continued their discussion about the cardboard drone.
"How did the explosion tests go?"
"We couldn't perform those because we need the Ministry of National Defense's cooperation. For now, we’ve requested an explosives manufacturer to develop a warhead and fuse suitable for the cardboard drone."
Upon reaching the factory floor, the cardboard drone and three types of drones launched using compressed air were on display. Taesik first observed the fixed-wing cardboard drone. It sat on a table in its crude form, with a terminal connected to its side.
"You really connected the fuselage and the wings with rubber bands."
"Yes. Rubber bands provided better tension than tape. Since we used inexpensive materials, the unit cost is under one million won."
"You solved the control surface issue simply by attaching a motor... it’s remarkably well-made in its simplicity. Is that terminal for inputting GPS data?"
"Yes. Before launching the cardboard drone, you input the flight path and the final destination coordinates, and it arrives at the target without issue."
"Can you change the path mid-flight?"
"The cardboard drone cannot change its path mid-flight; only the high-end model you see next to it can. We kept the functions simple because adding extra features would reduce the payload capacity."
"That’s fine. This is excellent. Once the fuse and explosives are finished, we should test it immediately."
After examining the cardboard drone, Taesik approached the high-end model next to it, and the employee eagerly explained the drone he had developed. After listening to the explanation, Taesik asked,
"So there are two types of high-end drones: anti-personnel and anti-tank. How are they launched?"
"They are launched into the air using a launch tube called a canister filled with compressed air, and afterward, they can fly with the help of a propeller powered by a battery."
"What are the weights and flight times for the two types?"
"The anti-personnel loitering munition can fly for 10km with a 15-minute flight time, and the anti-tank version can fly for 40 minutes, covering up to 40km. We expect the mass production unit cost to be 10 million won for anti-personnel and 15 million won for anti-tank."
"What about the lethal radius?"
The employee stammered, appearing flustered as Taesik kept firing off questions about specific data. CEO Park In-tak handed him some water, telling him to answer slowly. After wetting his throat, the employee replied,
"We expect 10 to 15 meters for the anti-personnel version, and the anti-tank version is expected to have a penetration power of 800mm. These figures are estimates, as the explosives manufacturer is still in the development phase."
"If the anti-tank version has 800mm of penetration, it should be sufficient to attack the top of a tank. Can I see a launch test today?"
"Yes. It’s prepared."
The employee connected the compressed air hose to the launch tube and inserted the prepared drone. "We will test the anti-personnel and anti-tank versions at once. The test is ready; may we begin?"
The employee asked CEO Park In-tak for the go-ahead, and Park nodded, signaling the start.
"Five seconds to launch, four seconds... Launch!"
With a 'pop' sound, the drone was launched from the tube into the sky. Its wings immediately unfolded, and it began to fly toward the heavens powered by its propeller. Two employees operated the drone, maneuvering it over the factory grounds. The screen from the control terminal was shared with those nearby via a TV set up on-site.
"The electro-optical camera quality is decent."
"We miniaturized the FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) camera we possess. The most time and money were invested in camera development."
"Since the operator can control it in real-time, I think there will be high demand from the military."
"Actually, after developing these drones, I realized we could expand our business scope significantly, and I thought it would be good to develop large-scale drones like the U.S."
"We can just develop them, can't we? If you're willing to develop them, CEO Park, I will support the development costs as much as needed."
"Us? Starlink Defense has no experience in large aircraft development, so it will be difficult."
"We can develop the components that go into ground equipment and drones, and commission the drone development to Korea Aerospace. What do you think?"
Taesik turned his head to gauge CEO Park In-tak's expression. Park looked flustered for a moment before meeting Taesik's eyes.
"We will give it a try. If the development budget is sufficient, there is no reason we can't do it."
"Understood. Once the loitering munition project is finished, let's start development immediately."
The loitering munitions flew freely over the factory. When Taesik declared the end of the test, the employees spread out a prepared net.
"It's a suicide drone, yet you even made a way to recover it?"
"Hahaha. Since there are no explosives inside, we have to recycle them."
The two drones flew into the net one by one, and the employees approached to recover them.
"When will the fuses and explosives for the suicide drones be ready?"
"The explosives manufacturer promised to deliver them within two weeks."
"Then invite military officials to conduct a test evaluation. I will have Manager Park contact you with the details, so please prepare."
"Yes. We will complete our internal testing as well."
"Also, treat the staff who participated in the design and testing to a dinner, and provide incentives once the contract is signed."
"Representative, you need to name the drones now."
"Do you have any internal model names?"
"Since they are prototypes, we are simply calling them Drone 1, 2, and 3."
"Let's call them Switchblade A, B, and C."
"Understood. Also, you'll need to give us a bit more time for the AESA Radar miniaturization work you gave us last time. We have engineers assigned, but there is an issue with miniaturization due to the radar's cooling problems."
"It probably isn't easy to control the heat generated by the elements. Try considering a cooling method using pneumatic pressure."
"Also, as a result of our internal concept research, we identified a field where the AESA radar can be applied immediately without miniaturization. We concluded that it can be applied directly to the Phalanx and Goalkeeper close-in weapon systems. Should we give it a try?"
"Is there demand from the Navy?"
"Yes. The Navy's destroyer project is underway, and they plan to equip them with gun-type close-in defense systems. We just need to import the 30mm cannons and attach the AESA radar, solving the integration part."
"Give it a try for now. First, please prepare thoroughly for the loitering munition test evaluation."
Taesik returned to Seoul and instructed Manager Park Kyung-hoon to coordinate the loitering munition test evaluation through the Ministry of National Defense. Manager Park secured the test site through Colonel Jang Woo-chul, whom he had come to know through the Starlink communication radio business. While coordinating the site, Manager Park reported to Taesik that there was an external party who wanted to observe the test.
"Who said they wanted to come to the loitering munition test evaluation?"
"The NIS and the U.S. Embassy military attaché said they want to observe."
"I understand the U.S. attaché, but why does the NIS want to come?"
"I think they are looking for weapons that can be used during their own operations. There was no detailed mention, but it seems they established a plan to purchase weapons needed for operations after feeling their limitations during the recent Korean killing incident in Iraq."
"If they have a plan to purchase loitering munitions, tell them to come anytime. It's good for us if we can sell even one more unit."
The Ministry of National Defense was initially hesitant, saying there were no test evaluation procedures for weapons not made for their own requirements, but at the mention of the world's first loitering munition, they urgently created internal regulations to cooperate with the test. Colonel Jang Woo-chul sent the specifications of the loitering munition to the command of each military branch to confirm if they were needed. Each branch gave the opinion that if the loitering munition performed as the specifications claimed, there was an urgent requirement for special forces and unit-level operations. Colonel Jang Woo-chul decided to have the officers who determine the requirements for each branch attend the test evaluation.
On the day of the test, Taesik arrived at a test site in Gangwon-do, checked the preparation status with CEO Park In-tak, and prepared to welcome the guests. The Ministry of National Defense arrived at the test site using a large bus, while the NIS sent an opinion that they would observe on their own, as they did not want to reveal their presence. From the U.S. Embassy, Colonel Oliver arrived and greeted Taesik, who was welcoming the guests.
"Representative Kim. I heard you developed an interesting weapon this time."
"It's a loitering munition with a high economic exchange ratio, but compared to the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper, its technical value is not that high."
"Isn't the drone developed by Starlink inexpensive compared to the Reaper, which costs over 40 billion won? I judge that there will be high demand in Iraq..."
"Starlink does not yet have a foundation in the defense industry, so we are employing a strategy of targeting niche markets. If we only had a company like Korea Aerospace, we would want to develop a drone like the MQ-9 Reaper."
As the two continued their conversation, Colonel Jang Woo-chul brought his superior.
"Representative, please meet him. This is Major General Choi Young-gyu of the Ministry of National Defense."
After a brief greeting, Major General Choi Young-gyu said,
"Representative Kim. I heard your conversation with Colonel Oliver earlier, and you said drone development is impossible because you lack a foundation in the defense industry... If you were to acquire Korea Aerospace, would it be possible to develop a drone like the MQ-9 Reaper?"
At the sudden question, Taesik looked at the Major General's face for a moment before answering.
"Starlink already possesses the relevant technology, so we have sufficient capability. We just haven't had the opportunity to enter the aviation business."
"Then, do you have any intention of acquiring the government's stake in Korea Aerospace?"