Air Force to Secure Collaborative Unmanned Combat Aircraft by 2030s... Next-Generation Fighters Planned After 2040s

Report on Plans to Establish an AI-Based Manned-Unmanned Integrated Combat System

The Air Force will gradually secure unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned combat aircraft capabilities by the 2030s. After the mid-2040s, it plans to acquire next-generation (6th generation) fighter jets and related technologies to replace the F-16.

On October 23, during the National Assembly National Defense Committee’s audit of the Air Force Headquarters in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province, the Air Force reported its plan to establish an artificial intelligence (AI)-based manned-unmanned integrated combat system.

According to the Air Force, it will pursue the acquisition of a manned-unmanned integrated combat system, taking into account AI technology trends and phased objectives. By the early 2030s, the Air Force aims to secure multi-purpose expendable unmanned aerial vehicles that will operate in conjunction with the FA-50. By the mid- to late 2030s, it will work to secure unmanned combat aircraft that will collaborate with the KF-21.

Furthermore, after the mid- to late 2040s, the plan is to secure next-generation (6th generation) fighter jets. This is intended to replace the Air Force’s mainstay fighter, the F-16. The Air Force explained, “We believe that it will be possible to fully secure next-generation fighter jet technologies, including advanced stealth capabilities, small munitions, engines, and quantum communications, after the mid-2040s.”

Meanwhile, Air Force Chief of Staff Sohn Seokrak stated in his address at the audit, “We will do our utmost to build a ‘smart and elite strong military’ that leads the future battlefield and always wins in combat.” He added, “We will focus on advancing AI technological capabilities, securing core technologies for AI pilots, and building a manned-unmanned integrated combat system based on these advancements. We will also steadily secure space power, organizations, and personnel to strengthen our space operation capabilities.”