S. Korea buys 100 unmanned aerial vehicles from Israel

TEL AVIV -- South Korea has agreed to purchase 100 unmanned aerial vehicles from Israel in a $52 million deal.

A statement by the Korean Defense Ministry on Monday said the Israeli-made Harpy UAVs will be used to bolster Seoul's defense against its northern communist neighbor. The ministry said South Korea is focusing on air defense.

The Harpy can pinpoint enemy artillery, radar and missile systems and attack them. The UAV is manufactured by Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd., Lod.

Officials said South Korea also seeks to purchase the Israeli-made Popeye air-to-ground and U.S.-made Harpoon ship-to-ship missiles.

In Tokyo, Japanese officials said the government intends to employ dozens of people from the private sector for a future project to launch and operate four information-gathering satellites. The recruitment is intended to take advantage of the high level of expertise in satellite technology by private companies.