South Korea Demos Photonic Radar Technology to Detect Small Drones

The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) of South Korea demonstrated its AI-powered photonic radar technology on April 17 at the Sejong Electronic Test Site.

Developed under the Future Challenge National Defense Technology Development Project since 2022, this radar system uses laser light to generate electromagnetic waves. These waves are sent to a target, and the reflected signals are analyzed using artificial intelligence to detect and identify objects—such as small drones—that are hard to pick up using traditional optical tools like cameras.

According to ADD, this is the first time in South Korea that such technology has identified small aircraft located several kilometers away in an outdoor environment. While other countries have tested the concept in simulations, this is the first verified demonstration of its capability in the field.

The demonstration was attended by officials from ADD, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and military representatives, who discussed future development strategies and early commercialization plans.

“This technology opens a new chapter for K-defense surveillance and reconnaissance,” said Jeong Seong-tae, Director of ADD’s Third Technology Research Institute. “We will continue our work to refine the system and provide innovative defense solutions.”

ADD plans to continue R&D on this radar system, including live combat tests and expanding the defense industrial ecosystem around the technology.