S.Korean drone exports quadruple from goal

South Korean drone exports surged to $1.11 million in 2023, exceeding the government's target by more than four times, fueled by strong demand for drone bodies used in various applications.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in its first-ever compilation of drone export figures, said Tuesday that exports from 17 domestic companies reached 14.4 billion won ($1.11 million) this year. The ministry had initially set an internal target of around 3 billion won.

Drone bodies used in drone light shows and construction site management systems, drone soccer games accounted for the bulk of exports, at 80%.

Services such as solar power monitoring using drones made up 11%, followed by hardware parts at 8% and drone software at 1%. 

According to the ministry, the main export destinations were drone-advanced countries such as the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, and France.

The government has been supporting drone companies, mostly small and medium-sized enterprises, through projects to commercialize drone technology and facilitate overseas expansion.

This year, the ministry collaborated with drone companies to hold four drone roadshows in Uzbekistan, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and the Czech Republic and led a K-drone delegation to the C-UAV Expo, a major drone expo in the US.

Write to Mi-Sun Kang at misunny@hankyung.com