Conan Technology to Lead AI Pilot Drone Development

Conan Technology, a specialized artificial intelligence (AI) software company, is leading the establishment of defense AI systems and driving innovation in future defense technology.

On the 6th, Conan Technology announced that it has been selected as the executor of the project "Development of AI Pilot Using Digital Twin and Demonstration of UAV Integration," which was publicly offered by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Agency for Defense Development. As part of the '2023 Defense Innovation Companies 100' technology development support project, the goal is to develop and demonstrate AI pilot technology that can be mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles to rapidly transition from manned weapon systems to intelligent unmanned systems.

The AI pilot technology originated from the Air Combat Evolution (ACE) project by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the U.S. Department of Defense. It is cutting-edge technology with demonstration cases held only by the U.S. Air Force worldwide. Conan Technology was selected as one of the 'Defense Innovation Companies 100' last October after passing the evaluation in the 'Manned-Unmanned Combined Combat Execution' category.

This project involves a total research budget of 7 billion KRW, including 5 billion KRW in government funding, over 48 months. It supports the evolution of the Air Force's technology roadmap in response to changing battlefield environments and is significant in laying the foundation for core technologies in UAV development and the establishment of MUM-T (Manned Unmanned Teaming) systems. Upon completion, it is expected to greatly contribute to future defense technology innovation by securing essential technology development and demonstration capabilities for autonomous UAVs and MUM-T systems.

CEO Kim Young-seom said, "It is meaningful to be in charge of the unmanned fighter demonstration project led by the AI pilot," adding, "Since it may be mounted on domestically developed fighter jets, we will do our best to change the landscape of future air combat and simultaneously strengthen our leadership in building defense AI systems."