South Korea Turns to Anti-Aircraft Guns to Counter Growing Drone Threat
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Facing a surge in the use of low-cost drones on modern battlefields, South Korea is re-emphasizing anti-aircraft guns as a key component of its air defense strategy. Military planners are increasingly concerned that relying solely on traditional missile-based systems is becoming unsustainable in the face of mass drone attacks.
The shift reflects a global trend as armed forces grapple with the proliferation of small, inexpensive drones used for reconnaissance and attack. These drones pose a unique challenge because they often fly at low altitudes, produce minimal radar signatures, and can be deployed in swarms, overwhelming conventional defenses.
“This imbalance has exposed a structural weakness in traditional air defense systems,” analysts say. Interceptor missiles designed to take down aircraft or cruise missiles are often far more expensive than the drones they are intended to destroy, making each engagement a costly proposition.
South Korea’s defense community is highlighting the cost-effectiveness of anti-aircraft guns, particularly modern systems equipped with radar targeting and airburst ammunition. These advancements allow for more precise engagement of drone swarms without rapidly depleting expensive missile inventories.
The German-made Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft system, currently in use in Ukraine, is often cited as a successful example of this approach. Equipped with twin 35mm cannons, it has proven effective against low-flying drones like the Iranian-designed Shahed systems.
Modern anti-aircraft guns are a far cry from their predecessors. They now integrate advanced technologies like radar detection, electro-optical sensors, and digital fire-control systems. Crucially, the development of programmable airburst ammunition has significantly increased their effectiveness against drones. These rounds detonate near the target, releasing fragments that damage rotors, sensors, or airframes, even without a direct hit.
South Korea has been developing several air defense systems based on this concept. The long-serving 20mm Vulcan system provides short-range defense, while more advanced platforms like the K30 Biho combine cannons with radar and electro-optical targeting. The Biho Hybrid variant even integrates surface-to-air missiles for broader engagement capabilities. The newer Cheonho system, built on a wheeled chassis, is designed for rapid deployment and networked operations.
The country is also investing in unmanned anti-aircraft gun systems equipped with programmable ammunition, designed to receive targeting data from external radar networks.
This renewed focus on gun-based air defense is part of a broader effort to create layered defense networks. Long-range missiles will continue to be reserved for traditional aircraft and missile threats, while shorter-range systems like anti-aircraft guns will handle drones that penetrate closer to protected areas.
The growing drone threat is not limited to military applications. The potential for disruption to civilian infrastructure and public safety is also driving demand for effective counter-drone technologies worldwide. South Korea’s approach offers a potential model for other nations seeking to address this evolving challenge.
[1] South Korea promotes anti-aircraft guns for drone defense (via duckduckgo) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7_JQN35ed4
[2] South Korea promotes anti-aircraft guns for drone defense (via startpage) https://defence-blog.com/south-korea-promotes-anti-aircraft-guns-for-drone-defense/
[3] South Korea promotes anti-aircraft guns for drone defense (via google_news) https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiiwFBVV95cUxOVC1NeEpYNm8wUnVCWjNjOEk2QVFWc19Rb3hNcEVQdzNNSlltT1g4LU13NFpHODZ0NGJac0VqT1g5amt2VVZCWDY2b3NjZll4OVA2TldhYW91TWdnLUMyeW9ZSWFpZVotN2FWWjR6a3hpUi0zd0FITGlJbUUwUFl4M0k3V0NtV2JQM0g00gGQAUFVX3lxTE42TDVyQnI3eWJZN0JmZldJWXRyMVhKeExtd0plR3lQSmt1ZUdVLWc5RkFKd1Raak80MjVPWXZWSWttR29iWTBUODlTSTFxc2RwNWtTSkZjODhlV3JOMU9CR2ZlSlRtekNuNzBxUXRDcVJIaUxBbjVvNkFsWEpvb2ZxQUxIblQtXzBUVzlNNWllcA?oc=5
