{"id":2206452,"date":"2024-09-12T15:11:22","date_gmt":"2024-09-12T06:11:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2206452"},"modified":"2024-09-12T15:11:22","modified_gmt":"2024-09-12T06:11:22","slug":"artificial-intelligence-takes-center-stage-in-south-koreas-defense-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/09\/artificial-intelligence-takes-center-stage-in-south-koreas-defense-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"Artificial intelligence takes center stage in South Korea\u2019s defense strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea is planning to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its military operations to counter the country\u2019s shrinking and aging demographic trend while enhancing its defense capabilities against North Korean threats. However, it remains to be seen if embracing AI will truly transform the country\u2019s military into a much more effective fighting force.<\/span><\/p>\n PUSH FOR MILITARY AI<\/b><\/p>\n The South Korean defense ministry is developing AI-based technologies in collaboration with private defense firms as part of the country\u2019s <\/span>Defense Innovation 4.0<\/span><\/a> project. These systems are currently undergoing testing at general outposts (GOPs) and guard posts (GPs) in the ROK Army\u2019s 5th Division.<\/span><\/p>\n The choice of the 5th Division for these tests is strategic, as its location along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) provides an ideal environment for AI learning and data collection due to its varied terrain, which includes mountainous and flat areas.<\/span><\/p>\n South Korea established the Defense AI Center in April to spearhead military AI research. The center\u2019s primary focus is to support the adoption of AI technologies and develop AI-based battlefield awareness technologies and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) systems.<\/span><\/p>\n A cornerstone of the Defense Innovation 4.0 project is the Kill Web framework, an AI enhancement of the existing Kill Chain concept for countering North Korean missile threats.<\/span><\/p>\n While the Kill Chain focused on preemptive strikes against imminent North Korean threats, the Kill Web aims to provide a more comprehensive, real-time situational awareness and coordination throughout all stages of relevant operations, potentially improving response times and decision-making processes.<\/span><\/p>\n Major South Korean defense firms are also engaged in military AI development. Hanwha Systems announced plans in <\/span>2020<\/span><\/a> to develop South Korea\u2019s first AI-driven defense command and control service, offering commanders tailored operational strategies based on AI-processed data.<\/span><\/p>\n Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is also making strides in this field, <\/span>showcasing<\/span><\/a> AI-centric advanced aerospace technologies at the 2024 Responsible AI in the Military Domain conference. Their exhibition included AI-pilot-based unmanned systems, unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and AI pilot technology that will be used to enhance MUM-T capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n