South Korea learns from Ukraine, develops its own missile-armed naval 'kamikaze' drones

At the MADEX 2025 defense exhibition in South Korea, local defense company LIG Nex1 unveiled several new unmanned surface vessels (USVs), including a reconnaissance platform, a modular combat drone, and a 'kamikaze' sea drone reportedly inspired by Ukraine’s wartime innovations, according to Defense Express.

The reconnaissance USV is equipped with a towed sonar array, wave sensor, navigation radar, advanced electro-optical targeting system, and multiple satellite communication antennas. It will also be armed with a remote-controlled turret featuring a heavy machine gun.

The modular combat drone, known as Sea Sword-X, is armed with a 20mm automatic cannon, two launchers for 70mm Poniard guided rockets, Blue Shark anti-submarine torpedoes, and a slot for modular payloads. At the expo, a version was displayed carrying 130mm guided rockets designed to strike ground targets.

Of particular interest was the 'kamikaze' sea drone. Its hull is produced using 3D printing to reduce costs and allow for rapid, scalable production. A company representative told Naval News that the drone was directly influenced by Ukraine’s effective use of sea 'kamikaze' drones in the Black Sea. The platform features a Starlink-like satellite communications antenna, a modern targeting system, and wide-angle course cameras for navigation and target acquisition.

This self-detonating drone carries a main explosive charge for direct impact attacks, along with two 70mm Poniard missiles fitted with infrared homing heads. According to the manufacturer, the missiles are intended for maritime targets such as hovercraft. However, their guidance system suggests they may also be capable of targeting slow, low-flying aerial platforms like helicopters.

Defense Express notes that this design echoes Ukraine’s Magura sea drones, which have been equipped with infrared-guided anti-air missiles such as the AIM-9 and R-73. These drones have successfully downed Russian helicopters — and more recently, even a Su-30 fighter jet.

Altogether, these new platforms are expected to become a key part of South Korea’s Navy Sea GHOST strategy. In the short term, the South Korean Navy plans to form a dedicated development squadron for unmanned maritime systems. Mid-term plans include deploying full squadrons of both surface and aerial drones.

• In contrast to the growing Russia-North Korea alliance, Ukraine is strengthening cooperation with South Korea, particularly in defense industry.