UAV-II (KUS-FS)

Korea's next-generation strategic Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial system being developed to provide the Republic of Korea military with indigenous persistent ISR and strike capability comparable to the MQ-9 Reaper class. Features a turboprop engine with endurance exceeding 24 hours and operational altitude above 40,000 feet. Payload capacity for multiple sensors including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), EO/IR turret, SIGINT, and precision-guided munitions for armed reconnaissance missions. Designed for autonomous operations with satellite beyond-line-of-sight datalink capability. Development is a collaboration between KAI and Korean Air with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) overseeing the programme. Intended to supplement and eventually replace South Korea's leased Global Hawk RQ-4 fleet. Expected to enter service in the late 2020s.