[Hwankyung Ilbo] The world is striving to develop a variety of energy sources to overcome the limitations of fossil fuel-based industries and develop sustainable industries.
In particular, hydrogen fuel is emerging as a new energy source for carbon-neutral and carbon-zero energy. In the aviation industry, hydrogen-fueled aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming the direction of the future aviation industry, considering the environmental impact of noise, air quality, etc.
Hydrogen fuel is gaining traction in aviation as a clean energy source because it is environmentally friendly and has a higher density and energy efficiency than batteries. Hydrogen is also the best fuel for high-altitude, long-endurance drones, making it one of the highest priority technologies for national security.
In response, the government is seeking to develop hydrogen fuel propulsion-based aircraft systems and multi-purpose medium- and large-sized unmanned aerial vehicles as major core technologies for the future aviation sector.
North Korea's medium and large-scale unmanned aerial vehicles, as revealed in the media in July of last year, pose a serious challenge to our security. To counter this threat, it is crucial to acquire advanced unmanned aerial vehicles that can conduct surveillance and reconnaissance from higher altitudes and for longer periods of time.
Korea has also been steadily promoting technology development in preparation for the aviation and space era, and has succeeded in developing its own fighter jets and military reconnaissance satellites.
As the New Space Age has begun to unfold, interest in the development of the aviation industry has been growing.
In fact, the future aviation industry is a promising high-tech industry that is rapidly growing in the post-COVID-19 era.
According to the KDB Future Strategy Research Center's 'Status and Development Direction of the Aviation Industry', the global aviation industry is expected to continue to grow to approximately USD 928.1 billion in 2030. In particular, unmanned aerial vehicles and urban air traffic (UAM) are expected to emerge as new growth engines for the future aviation industry.
Due to the high technology and value-added nature of the aviation industry, many developed countries are competing for leadership in the aviation industry. It is also one of the most important strategic industries directly related to national security because it enables advanced weaponization of security assets such as unmanned aerial vehicles and drones.
DAPA is preparing to further develop the aviation industry by developing advanced engines, the heart of aircraft. Recognizing the importance of developing the aviation industry based on new energy sources, the agency plans to work with various government agencies to develop related technologies.
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