The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin), and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI, President Lee Sang-cheol), successfully conducted a low-altitude flight test of the EAV (Electric Air Vehicle)-4, a stratospheric drone currently under development with Korea’s independent technology, on April 27, 2025.

This test marks a significant milestone for future long-duration stratospheric flight demonstrations, including a 30-day stratospheric flight, as well as for the development of next-generation stratospheric drone demonstration platforms. The test flight lifted off at 7:00 a.m. on April 27 and maintained a stable flight for approximately 25 minutes, during which key systems such as flight control, structural safety, and operation of the solar power generation system were examined. This successful test lays the foundation for future expansion of the flight envelope and stratospheric environment demonstration tests.

The stratosphere has long remained an unexplored frontier for humankind due to its harsh environment, with air density at just 7% of sea level and extreme temperatures reaching minus 70 degrees Celsius. However, recent advancements in cutting-edge technologies such as high-efficiency solar cells and ultra-lightweight, high-strength materials have opened a new era of stratospheric aerial platforms. Major countries around the world recognize this as a new strategic technology domain and are accelerating their development efforts. KASA and KARI are also taking the lead in securing Korea’s own independent stratospheric platform.

The EAV-4, which recently completed a successful test flight, features an ultra-large wingspan of 30 meters and a total weight under 150 kilograms, with the capacity to carry up to 20 kilograms of mission equipment. Powered by solar energy, it can operate in the stratosphere at an altitude of 20 kilometers for over 30 days. The aircraft is gaining attention as a next generation platform capable of long-duration communications relay, surveillance, reconnaissance, and disaster monitoring.

KARI previously succeeded in Korea’s first stratospheric flight at an altitude of 14 kilometers in 2015, followed by a record-setting 53-hour continuous flight at 22 kilometers in 2020. The recent low-altitude test marks another step forward in the practical application of stratospheric platforms, building on these accumulated technological achievements.

Through its current preliminary project, the Development of Stratospheric Drone Technology for Persistent Disaster Monitoring, KASA is analyzing the identified limitations and actively working to internalize core technologies and localize key components. Building on these technological advancements, KASA will carry out the Mission-Oriented Stratospheric Drone Demonstration Platform Project from 2026 to 2029 with a total budget of KRW 48 billion. The project aims to develop mission-specific demonstration drones, establish and verify operational systems, and initiate full-fledged efforts to enter the global market.

Kim Hyun-dae, Director General of the Aeronautics Innovation Mission Directorate at KASA, emphasized, “By advancing this technology, Korea aims to establish itself as a global leader in the field of high-altitude stratospheric unmanned aerial vehicles, and will continue to provide strong support to further enhance the nation’s competitiveness in strategic technologies.”