South Korea to Develop Multi-legged Robot for Counter-terrorism Ops

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) kick-started a project on Wednesday to develop a multi-legged robot for counter-terrorism operations.

For the first time, DAPA signed “rapid R&D project” to dramatically shorten the introduction period of new weapons.

As per South Korean media, two contracts each worth around $3.5 million were signed with Hyundai Rotem Co. (for robot) and Preneu Co (for  drone).

Donghwan Eom, Director of DAPA, said, “Through rapid R&D projects, not only will the acquisition period for weapons systems be shortened and costs will be reduced in line with the pace of advanced technology development, but also private companies with excellent technologies will be able to more actively participate in the defense sector.”

Projects include one create an innovative robot, and another to develop a multi-purpose drone which can conduct reconnaissance and surveillance.

DAPA says the robot will minimize human casualties; and improve combat power through early identification and response of enemy threats during counter-terrorism operations.