"Building a Strong Military with AI"... Government Initiates Use of Advanced Technology in Defense

MOU between Ministry of Science and ICT and Ministry of National Defense

Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of National Defense have joined hands to build an "elite advanced strong military" utilizing cutting-edge science and technology in preparation for future warfare environments.

On the 1st, Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT and Minister Shin Won-sik of the Ministry of National Defense signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in the field of defense science and technology.

The two ministries agreed to enhance civilian-military technological cooperation focusing on scientific and technological fields necessary for future battlefields, such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, space, and cyber.

They also plan to promote technological and industrial growth through the demonstration of advanced civilian technologies in the defense sector.

Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT / Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Specifically, the cooperation includes ▲ promoting research and development and demonstration for civilian-military technological cooperation ▲ mutual use of civilian and military infrastructure to verify research and development outcomes ▲ nurturing and utilizing talent in science, technology, and digital fields ▲ personnel exchanges and educational cooperation between the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The two ministries will establish and operate a minister-level "Future Defense Science and Technology Policy Council" and working-level councils for key sectors.

Minister Lee stated, "We will ensure that defense science and technology serves as a catalyst for the development of civilian technology and industry, while supporting the construction of an elite advanced strong military based on cutting-edge science and technology, contributing to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula."