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APEC Security Concerns Rise as Drone Vulnerabilities Exposed at Pohang Port
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A critical security gap has been identified at Pohang’s Yeongil Bay New Port, the designated docking location for cruise ships serving as floating hotels during the upcoming APEC summit. Despite the heightened risk of terrorism associated with the gathering of international VIPs, the port currently lacks adequate drone detection and countermeasure systems, raising serious concerns among security experts and lawmakers.
The investigation, conducted by reporter Jeong Hee-yoon, revealed a startling lack of preparedness. While drone flights are technically prohibited within the port itself, significant vulnerabilities exist in the surrounding areas, allowing for unobstructed aerial surveillance of the facility.
Cruise ship Hub Faces Unseen Threat
Did you know?-APEC summits draw leaders from 21 Pacific Rim economies, increasing the potential for targeted attacks and requiring robust security protocols.
Two large cruise ships are scheduled to arrive on November 28th and will function as marine hotels for APEC attendees. This concentration of high-profile individuals promptly elevates the potential for a coordinated attack. However,authorities have not implemented systems to actively detect or disrupt unauthorized drone activity. A security official noted the reliance on military perimeter patrols, but expressed confusion regarding the lack of dedicated drone surveillance technology, stating, “The military patrols the outer perimeter… but there doesn’t seem to be any detection system here. How do the marines know…?”
The situation is further complicated by the port’s proximity to a popular surfing beach, where drone use is commonplace. According to a local buisness owner, “Surfers frequently enough fly drones to capture footage of themselves surfing.” This creates a plausible cover for malicious actors to deploy drones for reconnaissance or even potential attacks.
Easy Access, Clear Views
Reader question:-Why is drone detection tough? Drones are small, quiet, and can be flown from locations outside of jurisdictional control.
A test conducted by the reporting team demonstrated the ease with wich a drone could penetrate the security perimeter.Launching a drone approximately 600 meters from the port, at an altitude of just 50 meters, provided a clear and unobstructed view of the interior within 20 meters. While filming inside the port is legally prohibited, enforcement is virtually impossible from outside the designated no-fly zone.A port official acknowledged that the surrounding area falls outside their jurisdiction for flight authorization, stating, “The nearby area is not within our control zone, so we do not require flight approval there.”
Experts Warn of Terrorist Potential
Pro tip:-Drones can carry small payloads, including explosives or chemical agents, making them a potential weapon for terrorist groups.
The growing sophistication of drone technology and its potential weaponization are raising alarm bells among security professionals. Professor Park Sang-hyeok of the dronebot Military Department at Jungwon University emphasized the danger,stating,”Unidentified individuals could disguise themselves as locals and launch drones from alleyways. From the perimeter, you can see everything inside the port.” He further warned that drones could easily carry “a small amount of chemical substances, poison gas, or biochemical weapons,” posing a significant threat.
Despite these concerns, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries maintains that security measures are sufficient, asserting that existing anti-drone systems at the dock are a “last line of defense” supplemented by “highly capable equipment” deployed by the military and police. However, experts are advocating for the immediate installation of infrared cameras and radio wave detection equipment for mobile patrols.
Calls for Urgent Action
Lawmaker Uh Ki-gu echoed these concerns, referencing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine where drones have been repeatedly used to target critical infrastructure.”As we’ve seen in the Russia-Ukraine war,drones are being used to attack key facilities,” he stated. “We need to prepare for any eventuality regarding potential terrorist attacks at this APEC event.”
the threat posed by drones is not theoretical. As one expert
