Robots that find and neutralize explosives will be deployed to each service branch in stages starting at the end of this year.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on the 29th that it held a kickoff meeting for the mass production project of explosive detection and disposal robots at the Hanwha Aerospace business sites in Changwon, South Gyeongsang. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ), and Hanwha Aerospace officials attended the meeting. They discussed the mass production plan, process and quality control, responses to parts discontinuation, and interagency cooperation measures.
The explosive detection and disposal robots, which aim to complete force integration by the end of 2027, are equipped with modular gear that can be attached or detached depending on the mission. They can perform missions not only for detecting and disposing of explosives but also for reconnaissance in hazardous areas, opening passages in the Demilitarized Zone, and searching underground facilities. They also have a remote controller, allowing operation from outside hazardous areas.
According to DAPA, the gripper arm can lift or cut explosives and can also fire high-pressure water to neutralize explosives on site. Hanwha Aerospace also noted that it designed the process so one operator can carry out all steps, improving assembly accuracy and production efficiency.
Jeong Jae-jun, head of DAPA's Future Force Project Support Department, said, "When explosive detection and disposal robots made with domestic technology are deployed to front-line units, the military's mission capability will improve and troops' safety will also be ensured," adding, "We hope this will serve as an opportunity to advance manned-unmanned teaming systems."