Drones, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled command tools are moving from the lab to the field as South Korea speeds its military AI modernization.
Under the government’s Defense AX initiative, AI is being embedded across weapons, surveillance, and command networks.
The push is part of Seoul’s broader national AI strategy, designed to position the country among the world’s leading AI powers.
Officials from the National AI Strategy Committee recently met with defense firms including Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems to advance AI-driven military modernization, according to Korea Bizwire.
Participants examined models allowing developers and defense firms to submit new operational ideas directly to the military outside traditional procurement channels.
“It is essential to boldly reform rigid procurement systems so technologically capable companies can participate more dynamically in the development of new defense capabilities,” said Lim Moon-young, vice chairman of the National AI Strategy Committee.
Officials are also exploring a “defense foundation model,” an AI system designed to support defense applications and future operational concepts.
To strengthen collaboration, Seoul has convened Defense AX policy meetings and launched a Defense AI Leaders Forum, bringing together government agencies, defense contractors, and technology developers.
Recent programs include AI-enabled live-fire combat experiments and upgrades to command-and-control systems with automated decision-support tools.
