South Korea's Military Pursues 'Great Transformation' with AI

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Wednesday the military is pursuing a "great transformation" by applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology across all defense sectors in an effort to nurture an elite armed forces.

Ahn made the remarks during a forum on defense AI strategy, as the ministry has been working to transition the military into one driven by AI and unmanned systems to better respond to the future warfare landscape and a shortage of troops.

"Our military is pushing for a 'great transformation of defense AI' to apply AI technology across all defense sectors, and giving all-out efforts to reform the military into a smart elite armed forces grounded on advanced technology," Ahn said in his opening speech read by Kim Seong-jun, the head of the office of personnel and welfare.

Ahn said the military is focused on creating a "sovereign AI" to prevent dependence on foreign technology and data leaks overseas, with plans to build relevant infrastructure and expand access to defense data.

During the forum, experts stressed the need to establish a legal and institutional framework for defense AI to ensure its credibility and safety.

Legislation stipulating the procedures for swift application of AI technology in the military and to guarantee the credibility of AI is currently under review at the defense committee at the National Assembly.

Wednesday's forum brought together some 150 personnel from each of the military branches, the state arms procurement agency and the National Assembly, among others.