"Expanding Operational Range of Military Drones" SK Telecom Signs MOU to Develop Military Communication Relay Drones

[Financial News] SK Telecom announced on the 15th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Funzin, Konan Technology, Contela, and Plaactory to develop communication relay drones aimed at expanding the operational range of military drones.
The signing ceremony, held at SK Telecom's Namsan office in Seoul, was attended by Na Kyung-hwan, Head of Enterprise Solutions at SK Telecom; Kim Jung-hoon, Head of Business Strategy at Funzin; Kim Kyu-hoon, Head of Defense AI Business at Konan Technology; Kim Tae-yeon, Head of MTS Business at Contela; and Kim Tae-hoon, CEO of Plaactory.
Communication relay drones serve as relays in areas where communication is difficult, allowing attack and reconnaissance drones to expand their operational range.
Currently, the military is utilizing the Ieum 5G frequency band to operate communication relay drones. However, due to the high-frequency characteristics of the band, the operational range is limited, highlighting the need for expansion.
The communication relay drones being developed by the participating companies will utilize low-frequency bands, such as the 800MHz commercial network. This is expected to significantly increase signal reach and ensure stable operational range even in urban environments with many obstacles, thanks to superior diffraction.
In particular, by applying handover technology between communication relay drones and operating multiple drones alternately, stability can be improved. Even if one communication relay drone is shot down, attack and reconnaissance drones can connect to another relay drone. Handover is a function in mobile networks that allows a device to switch seamlessly from one base station's coverage area to another, maintaining uninterrupted service.
Each company participating in the agreement will provide core technologies in their respective areas of expertise. SK Telecom will be responsible for wireless lines, handover technology, and real-time video monitoring. By combining long-distance low-frequency bands and its real-time video monitoring system, T live caster, SK Telecom will transmit live footage from operational drones to remote drone pilots.
Funzin, a defense vertical AI specialist, will handle drone wireless quality measurement and AI technology, while Konan Technology, an AI company, will collaborate through edge tactical equipment. Contela, a mobile communication equipment company, will provide satellite-based mobile base stations, and Plaactory, a 5G specialized network company, will be responsible for Ieum 5G core and communication equipment based on mini PCs.
The participating companies possess unique technological strengths in their respective fields. In 2022, SK Telecom and Plaactory secured an Ieum 5G communication equipment solution through a project with the National Information Society Agency (NIA). Funzin holds a patent for drone wireless quality measurement and is actively pursuing AI-based military projects. Konan Technology has demonstrated military and firepower operation systems and plans to commercialize edge-type tactical equipment in the future. Last year, Contela secured a satellite communication-based mobile base station solution through a project with the Korea Forest Service (KFS).
Kim Kyung-duk, Head of Enterprise Business at SK Telecom, stated, "With this business agreement, we expect to significantly expand the operational range of military communication relay drones based on each company's unique solutions. We will continue our efforts to strengthen national defense capabilities by applying commercial network technology to military communications."
mkchang@fnnews.com Jang Min-kwon Reporter