South Korea joins combat drone racecombat drone race with engine program
South Korea has launched a program to develop engines for autonomous military drones meant to fly alongside fighter jets, according to reporting published on May 27, 2026.
The effort points to Seoul’s ambition to compete with China and the United States in a fast-growing field that could reshape air combat and military exports.
- South Korea is already a major arms exporter, especially for artillery, aircraft, and armored vehicles.
- The phrase “wingman” comes from aviation formation flying and later became common in military cooperation language.
- Autonomous aircraft development is closely watched because it can influence air-power doctrine far beyond East Asia.
