S. Korea, U.S. agree to establish joint supply chain for drone, counter-drone systems | Yonhap News Agency
AI Analysis
South Korea and the United States have signed a preliminary agreement to establish a joint supply chain for drone and counter-drone systems, aiming to enhance interoperability. This includes listing South Korean products on a U.S. Department of War online platform and working towards shared battery standards. A working group will be formed to coordinate future efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Agreement signed between Jeon Joon-boem (S. Korea) and Patrick Mason (U.S.)
- South Korean drone/counter-drone products will be listed on a U.S. DoD online platform (launching end of year).
- Focus on standardizing small drone battery specifications for improved compatibility.
- The initiative aims to reduce logistics costs and facilitate mutual trade.
- A bilateral working group will be established for ongoing coordination.
Why It Matters
This agreement signifies a deepening security partnership between the U.S. and South Korea, specifically addressing the growing threat posed by drones. Establishing a joint supply chain will improve response capabilities and potentially accelerate the development and deployment of advanced counter-UAS technologies in the region, particularly relevant given North Korean drone activity.
S. Korea, U.S. agree to establish joint supply chain for drone, counter-drone systems | Yonhap News Agency
Go to Contents Go to Navigation
Facebook X
More
Pinterest Linked in Tumblr Reddit Facebook Messenger
Copy URL
URL is copied.
OK
SEOUL, May 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States signed a preliminary agreement to expand cooperation on drone and counter-drone systems as part of efforts to enhance interoperability between the allies in joint operations, the defense ministry said Friday.
The statement of intent was signed between Jeon Joon-boem, director general of the defense artificial intelligence (AI) planning bureau, and Patrick Mason, deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Army for defense exports and cooperation, in Seoul, according to the ministry.
The agreement calls for allowing South Korean drone and anti-drone products to be listed on an online platform operated by the U.S. Department of War, set to be launched by the end of the year.
The move is expected to pave the way for mutual trade and operations of related Korean products, and lower logistics costs, according to the ministry.
Under the agreement, the two sides will also push to adopt shared standards for small-sized drone batteries in the short term as part of efforts to improve efficacy and compatibility between the allies.
Both countries agreed to organize a working-level group to ensure close coordination in the future.
This photo, provided by the defense ministry on May 15, 2026, shows Jeon Joon-boem (L), director general of the defense artificial intelligence planning bureau, and Patrick Mason, deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Army for defense exports and cooperation, shaking hands after signing a statement of intent on drone and counter-drone systems in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sookim@yna.co.kr(END)
Related Articles
- NIS, Army partner to bolster S. Korea's drone security capabilities
- Army chief highlights S. Korea's drive for combat system modernization at forum
Keywords
Articles with issue keywords
Most Liked
'Dracula' featuring Jennie climbs to No. 10 on Billboard Hot 100
BTS to headline halftime show at 2026 World Cup final
(News Focus) Local brokerages beef up preparations for omnibus accounts amid KOSPI surge
(LEAD) N. Korean troops march in Russia's Victory Day parade for 1st time
(LEAD) S. Korea says investigation completed into fire on HMM-operated vessel in Strait of Hormuz
Most Saved
(News Focus) Confirmed strike on vessel may reshape Seoul's stance on joining U.S.-led Hormuz mission: experts
Trump says, 'I love S. Korea,' after Seoul, Washington sign MOU on shipbuilding cooperation
Budget airlines cut 900 round-trip flights, implement other cost-cutting measures amid soaring oil prices
(3rd LD) Seoul concludes 'external strike' caused explosion on HMM vessel in Hormuz
(2nd LD) Cheong Wa Dae says any attack on civilian ships in Hormuz cannot be tolerated
Most Viewed All Categories
(6th LD) U.S., Ch