Korea Aerospace Industries RQ-101 Songgolmae

The Korea Aerospace Industries RQ‑101 Songgolmae is a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in collaboration with the Agency for Defense Development. Initiated in 2007, the program aimed to provide the Republic of Korea Army with a lightweight, low‑observable platform for real‑time reconnaissance, target acquisition and surveillance in rugged terrain. First flight occurred in 2010, and after extensive flight‑testing the system entered service in 2012, becoming the backbone of the Korean Army’s UAV fleet. The RQ‑101 features a compact composite airframe with a wingspan of 3.3 m, a maximum take‑off weight of 30 kg and endurance of up to 6 hours at a cruise speed of 120 km/h. It employs a fully digital autopilot, GPS/INS navigation and a dual‑mode payload that can switch between electro‑optical/infrared imaging and synthetic‑aperture radar, delivering high‑resolution intelligence under day or night conditions. Its launch is catapult‑based, requiring no runway, and it can be recovered via parachute. The Songgolmae’s operational flexibility and indigenous design have reduced Korea’s reliance on foreign UAVs, bolstering national security and advancing the country’s capabilities in modern network‑centric warfare. Continuous upgrades are planned to integrate artificial intelligence‑driven analytics and extended range capabilities, ensuring the platform remains competitive for decades.

Korea Aerospace Industries

Korea Aerospace Industries RQ-101 Songgolmae

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