South Korea Moves to Reinstate 2018 No‑Fly Zone Over DMZ Amid Drone Tensions
Updated (5 articles)
Plan Unveiled by Unification Minister to Restore 2018 Airspace Ban On 18 February 2026, Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young announced Seoul will review reinstating the inter‑Korean no‑fly zone that bans aircraft and drones within 15 km east and 10 km west of the DMZ, aiming to curb civilian drone incursions reported in September and January [3][4]. Article 5 attributes the announcement to Unification Minister Lee Jong‑sup, creating a minor inconsistency among reports [5].
U.S. Consultations Paired with Assurance of Military Readiness The Defense Ministry confirmed ongoing talks with the United States to revive the pact while preserving South Korea’s operational posture, noting that the Joint Chiefs of Staff are evaluating UAV or satellite alternatives such as the RQ‑4 Global Hawk without committing to replacements [1][2]. The ministry stresses supplementary measures will keep forces ready despite the airspace restriction.
North Korean Leadership Welcomes Seoul’s Commitment Kim Yo‑jong, sister of Kim Jong‑un, publicly praised the pledge to prevent further civilian drone flights, saying she “highly appreciates” the effort and pledged heightened border vigilance [1][2][3]. Her response reflects North Korea’s preference for reduced aerial provocations after accusing Seoul of drone incursions in September and on 4 January 2026.
Legal Tightening and Historical Context Accompany the Proposal South Korea will amend the Inter‑Korean Relations Act to increase penalties for unauthorized flights and reinforce the legal basis of the 2018 agreement, which was suspended by both Koreas in 2023‑2024 following balloon campaigns and a disputed spy‑satellite launch [3][4][5]. The move aligns with President Lee Jae Myung’s broader security stance ahead of the ruling‑party congress.
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: South Korea Pushes to Reinstate No‑Fly Zone Near DMZ While Safeguarding Military Readiness – Details ministry’s readiness‑preserving approach, U.S. consultations, zone dimensions, and North Korean positive response .
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Yonhap: South Korea Moves to Reinstate No‑Fly Zone Near North Korean Border – Highlights U.S. talks, Lee Jae Myung’s diplomatic aims, and Kim Yo‑jong’s appreciation .
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Yonhap: South Korea Moves to Reinstate No‑Fly Zone Over DMZ – Reports Chung Dong‑young’s announcement, drone‑incursion triggers, and planned legal penalties .
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Yonhap: South Korea Moves to Reinstate Inter‑Korean No‑Fly Zone – Emphasizes confidence‑building intent after civilian drone flights and references the 2018 pact’s legal framework .
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Yonhap: South Korea Moves to Reinstate No‑Fly Zone Under Suspended 2018 Inter‑Korean Military Pact – Notes Lee Jong‑sup’s role in the announcement, marking a discrepancy with other reports .
Timeline
Sept 19, 2018 – South Korea and North Korea sign the inter‑Korean military pact that creates a no‑fly zone prohibiting aircraft within 15 km east and 10 km west of the DMZ, intended to reduce aerial incidents and build confidence [3].
2023 – North Korea unilaterally scraps the 2018 pact after Seoul launches a military spy satellite, citing violations of UN Security Council resolutions [1].
June 2024 – The Yoon Suk‑yeol administration suspends the pact, invoking North Korean trash‑carrying balloon campaigns and the spy‑satellite launch as provocations, thereby ending the no‑fly restrictions [1][2].
June 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung assumes office and publicly vows to restore the no‑fly zone, stating Seoul will work to prevent unintended clashes along the border [1].
Sept 2025 – North Korea accuses South Korean civilians of flying drones into its airspace, heightening tensions and prompting Seoul to consider reviving the no‑fly zone [3].
Jan 4, 2026 – Another civilian drone incursion into North Korean airspace occurs; Kim Yo‑jong condemns the flights, demands preventive steps, and later calls Chung’s earlier regret “sensible behavior” [3].
Feb 18, 2026 – Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young announces the government will review and seek to reinstate the 2018 no‑fly zone, emphasizing the move aims to prevent accidental military clashes and foster trust [3][4][5].
Feb 19, 2026 – The Defense Ministry declares it will push to restore the no‑fly zone while preserving military readiness, proposes a zone of 15 km east and 10 km west of the DMZ, and begins consultations with the United States; the Joint Chiefs of Staff say they are reviewing UAV and satellite alternatives [1][2].
Feb 19, 2026 – President Lee reiterates his pledge to restore the pact, and Kim Yo‑jong responds positively, saying she “highly appreciates” Seoul’s commitment to curb drone incursions [1].
2026 (later months) – South Korea plans to tighten penalties for unauthorized drones and amend the Inter‑Korean Relations Act, with the changes expected to be finalized before the ruling‑party congress where major security policies will be set [3].