Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Friday called for a government control tower to oversee drone and counter-drone policy, saying they have become a key element in national security. Kim made the remarks as he presided over a meeting on the launch of the drone and counter-drone task force, noting the importance of forming a unified governance framework in light of national security and industrial competitiveness. "We need a single governance, a control tower at the government level for drone and counter-drone policy," he said in the opening remarks at the meeting. "A defense-related ministry could take the lead, although some may argue that a greater emphasis needs to be placed on industrial aspects. It would inevitably require a pan-ministerial and comprehensive approach," Kim said. He highlighted that drones have become a key strategic asset that affects national security and industrial competitiveness, as well as public safety, citing their use in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "They are also emerging as a core strike tool in the conflict between the United States and Iran," he said. Kim wen