The South Korean Defense Ministry is actively seeking to advance its military capabilities through enhanced integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data technologies. Defense Minister Shin Won-sik led a discussion on Wednesday with top military officials on expanding these technologies within the military framework.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the discussions focused on incorporating more extensive data learning and AI technologies while adhering to the military's stringent cybersecurity standards and the limitations imposed by restricted access to external networks. The meeting also covered the establishment of a 5G network specifically for the defense sector, the development of AI technology expertise among military personnel, and the allocation of frequency bands for the operation of manned and unmanned military assets collaboratively.
Minister Shin emphasized the importance of military personnel understanding and utilizing AI technology to establish a robust, technologically advanced military. The ministry also announced the launch of a new "defense generative AI" system, which will provide AI-powered services, such as military terminology translation and access to information on internal regulations, starting Wednesday.
This initiative is part of the broader Defense Innovation 4.0 strategy, which aims to streamline the military with the aid of AI and other cutting-edge technologies. A dedicated research center to oversee AI development in the defense sector was established in April as part of this forward-looking initiative.