South Korea's military can buy a mobile drone station without tenders for three years

South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance and Ministry of National Defense have chosen six products made by civilian companies as the first products under a new scheme for military purchases, among them a mobile drone station, the ministries said on 12 November. The chosen products can be bought through direct contracts, without competitive tenders, for at least three years.

The drone station is meant to reduce gaps in surveillance and reconnaissance while drones are moved, charged and maintained. The six also include intelligent surveillance and reconnaissance mission equipment, a machine that cleans and dries gas masks and a combat uniform that resists melting.

The products were picked from 171 candidates. Being chosen does not guarantee purchases or use by all units, and the ministries plan to widen the scheme from 2027.