K-Drone Exports Jump to 30 Countries, 36.8 Billion KRW This Year
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
South Korea’s drone industry achieved 36.8 billion KRW in overseas sales this year, expanding export destinations from 13 to 30 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Export revenue rose 58% year-on-year, reaching 368 billion KRW (drone gear exports: 2021–2024 trend), with an average annual growth rate of 59.4% over five years. Exports are dominated by airframes (84%), followed by services (13%), parts (2%) and software (1%). Products and services exported include VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, multi-mission platforms, monitoring/filming drones, batteries, flight controllers (FC), and drone-based inspection and fish-finding services. The growth is credited to government overseas support programs—roadshows, trade missions, academies (drone academies), and participation in international expos—that helped secure 59 MOUs and 20 proof-of-concept projects this year and enabled 17 companies to export. Korean drone firms also received export awards at Trade Day ceremonies. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to promote K-Drone further with the 2026 Korea Drone Expo and a Global Drone Cooperation Conference to boost entry into markets such as the U.S.
