FPV Drones Elbow Out 60mm-81mm Mortars in South Korean Army

The South Korean Army has announced its decision to phase out 60mm and 81mm mortars, opting to replace them with First-Person View (FPV) drones.

This transition, part of a larger military modernization effort, was confirmed by South Korean Army Chief of Staff Park Ahn-soo. "Currently, we are planning to re-equip the mortar units with drones,” he was quoted as saying by publication m.mt during a speech to the National Assembly's National Defense Committee.

The change aims to incorporate modern combat strategies observed in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, demonstrating the strategic role drones play on the battlefield.

The Ministry of Defense approved the plan to retire these mortars below the battalion level, which will take several years to fully implement.

Chief of Staff Park also indicated the establishment of a newly structured "Dronebot (Drone/Robot) Company." This unit will replace mortar batteries with drones capable of targeting up to 10 km, extending beyond the 2-3 km range of conventional mortars.

The mortars, weighing around 20 kg for the 60mm and over 40 kg for the 81mm models, pose logistical challenges. In contrast, FPV drones offer improved accuracy, ease of use, and require fewer personnel for control and transport. This aligns with the South Korean Army's objectives to create a streamlined, efficient combat force.

Alongside this drone initiative, the modernization plan includes establishing units dedicated to space intelligence, electronic warfare, and cybersecurity, reflecting a broader move toward advanced defense technology. While the Dronebot Company is set to replace traditional mortars, the Army noted that these plans might be subject to future revisions.

In related developments, the U.S. Army recently began testing cargo drones to operate in tandem with maritime drones under Project Convergence 2025, highlighting the global trend toward integrated drone warfare in military operations.