- KASA presented key research outcomes, including DNA+ drone technology, intelligent counter-drone response systems, and long-range beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone communication technologies. -
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), led by Administrator Yoon Youngbin, held a Drone R&D Achievements Presentation at BEXCO in Busan on February 27. The event was attended by representatives from KASA, research institutions, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, and the Korea Research Institute for defense Technology planning and advancement, where key R&D achievements and future plans were shared, including DNA+ drone technology, intelligent anti-drone technology, and 433MHz-based drone communication technology.
The “DNA+ Drone Technology Development”, presented by Dr. Lim Chae-deok from the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), proposed a new paradigm for drone technology. This research, conducted from 2020 to 2024, integrated data, 5G networks, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to develop an innovative system capable of producing and utilizing high-value mission data in real time through drone swarm and autonomous flight. Notably, the world’s first drone sensor data standardization technology was confirmed as an international standard, and the drone-specific seamless 5G airspace communication technology, 4K drone mission video live streaming, and real-time AI analysis technology were recognized for the project’s excellence, earning the “DNA+ Drone Technology Development” the top prize in the 100 National R&D Excellence Awards in the Convergence field for 2024.
Dr. Tak Tae-woo from the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) introduced the “Intelligent Anti-Drone Technology” for Nuclear Facilities and Airports. Launched in 2021, this project is expected to continue until 2025 and aims to develop and demonstrate the ‘Drone-Cop’ and forensic technologies to counter illegal drones infiltrating critical national facilities. The team has developed drone control hijacking technology and real-time live forensic technology for security. Legislation and policy suggestions for advancing the domestic anti-drone field were also presented. The team plans to conduct demonstration at national critical facilities in the second half of this year and is working toward commercializing the technology.
<433MHz-Based Drone Communication Technology: Opening the Era of Long-Range Drone Communication>
Dr. Oh Hyuk-jun from Kwangwoon University presented the “Development and Demonstration of 433MHz-Based Drone Application Communication Technology”. This R&D project, started in 2021 and continuing until 2025, focuses on developing technology for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) long-range drone operations. The technology enables drone communication over distances greater than 20 km, ensuring safe operation at low altitudes. Notably, the 433MHz technology can be integrated with existing 5G networks, addressing issues related to drone data links. This technology is aimed at areas requiring BVLOS long-range operations, such as drone delivery in remote islands and is also highly applicable in the small unmanned aerial vehicle defense industry.
KASA’s Aeronautics Innovation Mission Directorate, Director General Kim Hyun-dae, stated, “Currently, Korea needs a technological innovation strategy to respond to global regulatory changes in drone security. The achievements presented today are expected to become core technologies that will reduce the technology gap with leading drone countries and strengthen global competitiveness.”
The key R&D achievements shared at the presentation are available for viewing at the KASA Pavilion during “DSK 2025 (Drone Show Korea)” at BEXCO in Busan, which will run until February 28.