The soldiers will work as operators, mechanics or training assistants at the combat force, unmanned aerial vehicle units and drone research centers.

The Military Manpower Administration will recruit 64 drone specialists, a spokesperson said on Monday, as the Army plans to launch a dronebot combat force later this year.

An Army spokesman said, "Drone specialists will operate and maintain small drones, each worth several millions of won, until home-grown dronebots are developed" (US$1=W1,123).

Back in April, the Army announced the plan to test dronebots that can infiltrate enemy territory and drop small bombs to strike command posts. They will be able to launch strikes like a swarm of bees and even destroy mobile missile launchers.

The U.S. has been using drones in combat since the early 2000s, mostly in bombing operations in Pakistan and Yemen that have claimed significant numbers of civilian lives.

France, Germany, Israel and the U.K. also operate military drones, and China is speeding up their development.

