South Korea used T-80U and BMP-3 tanks as targets

28 November, 2024 Drones hit T-80U tanks during exercises in the Republic of Korea. November 2024. Photo: x.com/lfx160219

South Korea's military used T-80U main battle tanks as targets for strike drones. They also used BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles for this purpose. South Korea received Soviet-style tanks and infantry fighting vehicles from Russia from 1995 to 2006 as part of the repayment of the former Soviet Union's debts.

Combat tests of attack drones developed by Korean defense companies were conducted on November 21. The strike drones were created on the basis of existing reconnaissance UAVs. Several photos in the media show that at least two T-80U tanks with numbers 1 and 2 were used to test the drones' effectiveness.

One BMP-3 was also spotted, although there could have been two, just like with tanks.

Drones hit T-80U tanks during exercises in the Republic of Korea. November 2024. Photo: x.com/lfx160219

It is yet unknown what kind of warheads the South Korean drones were equipped with.

The photo only captured part of the tank's turret catching fire after the explosion. The effect of the drone strike on the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle is also not disclosed. Korea noted that such tests are necessary to understand the principles and skills of use before introducing such attack drones into combat units.

"The purpose of this combat experiment is to find ways to use drones, which are the main offensive force in the Russian-Ukrainian war, on the battlefield on the Korean peninsula," the army spokesman explained. The South Korean army is currently conducting various experiments with the use of drones. There is also a plan to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles in the army in the near future, which should work in conjunction with existing weapon systems.

The Soviet T-80U tank in service with South Korea, which was handed over by Russia.

Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea

How many tanks are there?

It is reported that Russia once supplied South Korea with 43 T-80U tanks, 67 BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, and 20 BTR-80 armored personnel carriers. The media had previously suggested that the Republic of Korea could transfer these armored vehicles to Ukraine. The day prior, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umierov, part of a Ukrainian delegation, met with the President and the South Korean Defense Minister to discuss military cooperation.

However, no decisions were officially announced.