According to the South Korean news media, the US plans to send attack drones capable of killing North Korean leaders to South Korea within a few months.

Preparations for the drones are reportedly complete.

Earlier this week, US forces confirmed plans to resume military drills with South Korea after the Olympic Games. Details are expected to be announced at about the same time the drones would arrive.



Not only will the US and South Korea recommence military drills once the Winter Olympic Games wrap up, but the US will deploy attack drones to the Korean Peninsula.

Twelve attack drones that are capable of zeroing in on North Korean leaders and military targets will be deployed in March or April, the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported this week. The Gray Eagle/MQ-1Cs will be based at the US air base in Kunsan.

Chosun reported that a hangar had already been built for the drones and that support facilities and personnel had arrived at the air base.

The Gray Eagle, which has an 18-yard wingspan, can work on a variety of missions including attack, reconnaissance, surveillance, and infiltration as well as provide imagery to ground patrols. Its ability to work in a 248-mile radius means it can fly across nearly all of North Korea.

This wouldn't be the US's first time sending attack drones to South Korea. In March of last year, the US began deploying attack drones to counter "provocative actions" by North Korea.

In the time since, North Korea has launched 11 missiles.

US forces confirmed Tuesday that combined military drills would continue "as planned" in South Korea after the Paralympic Games finish in March. An update is expected in March or April.