Key facts
- South Korea celebrated the 78th anniversary of its armed forces on Oct. 1.
- The event showcased advanced military equipment, including laser-based anti-drone systems.
- The Cheongwang anti-drone system can precisely strike small unmanned aerial vehicles.
- AI-powered drone swarms and multipurpose unmanned ground vehicles were also displayed.
- The Chungmu Order of Military Merit will be awarded to two late soldiers for their actions during the 1979 military coup.
South Korea celebrated the 78th anniversary of its armed forces on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with a public display of advanced military equipment at the military headquarters in Gyeryong. The event, involving approximately 3,600 personnel and 70 pieces of equipment, highlighted the nation's defense capabilities.
Key attractions included the unveiling of South Korea's laser-based anti-drone system, named Cheongwang, capable of precisely intercepting small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This marked the first public demonstration of the system. Also on display were drone swarms powered by artificial intelligence (AI), multipurpose unmanned ground vehicles, and counter-drone interceptor UAVs.
During the ceremony, the government announced plans to award the Chungmu Order of Military Merit to the late Lt. Col. Kim Oh-rang and the late Ssg. Jung Seon-yeop. Both soldiers were recognized for their actions against the 1979 military coup led by then Maj. Gen. Chun Doo-hwan, during which they were killed fighting rebelling forces.
The Armed Forces Day event was integrated with various military cultural festivals and performances, including the Army's largest cultural festival and an aerobatic display by the Air Force's Black Eagles. The military aims to showcase distinct characteristics of each branch and the nation's self-reliant defense capabilities.