South Korea is accelerating its integration of artificial intelligence into military operations as it faces a declining birth rate and growing security concerns from North Korea’s alliance with Russia. At the recent Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX), held in Gyeryong, numerous defense companies showcased advancements in AI-driven military technology.
Hanwha Ocean presented an unmanned "command and control" vessel model capable of reconnaissance and combat without human intervention. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) introduced its "AI pilot" concept, a system trained in virtual scenarios to navigate and manage obstacles and is being tested for use in light attack aircraft by next year. Hyundai Rotem also exhibited unmanned ground vehicles that caught the attention of foreign representatives from Egypt and Singapore.
With the lowest birth rate globally, South Korea’s military sees unmanned systems as essential for maintaining defense capabilities with reduced personnel. Beyond drones and unmanned vehicles, the South Korean military aims to apply AI in command operations, enhancing data processing and battlefield decision-making. According to security experts, AI-driven real-time analysis could improve attack accuracy and reduce human error.
The South Korean government’s digital innovation policy encourages companies to develop AI-driven concepts across sectors, including defense. If deemed valuable by the military, these technologies will receive development support, ensuring AI becomes a cornerstone of South Korea’s defensestrategy.
