Schiebel to supply Camcopter S-300 UAS to South Korea Navy.

According to a PR published by Schiebel on February 20, 2024, the firm, in collaboration with Hanwha Systems and UI Helicopter, has been selected by the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) of South Korea to spearhead the development and provision of its advanced CAMCOPTER® S-300 Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air System (UAS).
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Camcopter S-300 Unmanned Air System. (Picture source: Schiebel)

This system is intended for use by the South Korean Ministry of Defense (MOD) to support Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, specifically for the Navy and Marine Corps.

The agreement to provide the CAMCOPTER® S-300 follows a history of the South Korean Navy utilizing Schiebel's S-100 UAS fleet for over ten years for its maritime ISR operations.

The new contract reflects an effort to enhance the navy's capabilities by incorporating a UAS with greater lift capacity and operational endurance in light of the current geopolitical climate and security concerns related to North Korea. The S-300 is noted for its ability to perform over extended periods, high-altitude capabilities, and significant payload capacity.

The system is designed for an endurance of up to 24 hours, can operate at altitudes of up to 21,000 feet, and is capable of carrying payloads up to 250 kg. It is suited for various missions, including cargo delivery and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) through the deployment of sonar buoys.

The S-300 will use the same Ground Control Station as the S-100, facilitating operational integration and cost efficiency. This compatibility underscores Schiebel’s strategy to develop a unified unmanned system framework.

ROK Navy

With advanced surveillance capabilities, the Camcopter S-300 enables the South Korean Navy to conduct real-time, high-resolution monitoring of maritime activities. This is particularly crucial for maintaining vigilance over North Korean movements and managing the complex maritime domain around the Korean Peninsula.

Operating UAVs like the Camcopter S-300 is also more cost-effective than relying on manned aircraft for continuous surveillance missions. This cost efficiency allows for sustained operations, ensuring persistent surveillance over strategic areas such as the Northern Limit Line (NLL) without imposing a significant financial burden.