Hanwha Systems Forms Academia-Industry Partnership for "Sovereign AI" Development

MOU Signed with Over 10 Domestic Partners, Including Seoul National University and Naver

Hanwha Systems is joining forces with domestic universities and artificial intelligence (AI) companies to establish the defense industry's first "sovereign AI" ecosystem. Sovereign AI refers to a system that a nation or company can independently operate and control based on its own infrastructure and data.

Hanwha Janggyodong Headquarters. Photo by Asia Economy DB

On July 10, Hanwha Systems announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with more than 10 universities?including Seoul National University, KAIST, POSTECH, and Naver Cloud?as well as leading and small-to-medium AI enterprises, for "self-reliance in defense AI technology and ecosystem development." The company aims to build AI models based on domestic technology in the defense sector, where security is paramount, to reduce the risk of confidential information leaks and resolve the issue of dependence on foreign services.

Through this agreement, Hanwha Systems will begin research and development on a "next-generation battlefield situational awareness AI model" in the area of air defense. The company plans to implement battlefield decision-making systems using domestic AI technology, including real-time threat analysis and command decision support for weapons system selection. Hanwha Systems stated, "Relying on foreign AI technology can lead to various issues such as confidential information leaks, limitations in implementing Korea-specific solutions, and service restrictions. By securing our own AI models, we aim to strengthen autonomy in national defense and industrial security."

Park Sungkyun, head of Hanwha Systems' Defense Electronics (DE) division, said, "This MOU is more than just technological cooperation; it is a strategic starting point for the independence of domestic AI technology and the creation of a self-sustaining ecosystem. We will accelerate the field application of next-generation battlefield technologies to ensure sustainable competitiveness in K-defense." Since 2021, Hanwha Systems has been developing unmanned autonomous and AI technologies through its open innovation program "Connect:H." The company is also investing in core technologies for future warfare?including AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity?through the Militech Venture Fund established jointly with the Military Mutual Aid Association.