South Korea’s programme to develop engines that can power flying drones to serve as loyal wingmen for fighter jets suggests that Seoul has set its sights on competing at the top level in the global market for autonomous military systems, according to observers.
Hanwha Aerospace, one of the country’s largest defence contractors, announced the programme on Tuesday – a joint project with South Korean space agency Kasa to develop a 4,500lb-class (2,040kg) turbofan engine by 2029.
The engine will be…