Developing AI Weapon Systems Starting Next Year

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] Weapon systems incorporating eight core future defense technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and stealth capabilities, will begin development next year.

On the 1st, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that it will accept new proposal projects for the '2021 Defense Core Technologies' until May 31.

The call targets eight core technologies reflected in the '2021?2035 Core Technology Plan,' which are essential for the independent domestic development of future advanced weapon systems. These include autonomous and AI-based surveillance and reconnaissance, hyper-connected intelligent command and control, ultra-high-speed and high-power precision strike, future propulsion and stealth-based platforms, manned-unmanned combined combat operations, advanced technology-based personal combat systems, cyber active response and future defense, and future advanced new technologies. Proposals can be submitted for applied research, experimental development, or international joint research and development to weaponize these eight technology areas.

DAPA plans to commence development on the selected projects starting next year. Notably, intellectual property rights for the adopted projects will be jointly owned by the government and the companies. Submitted proposals will undergo evaluation by military and civilian experts, with final decisions made in October.

A DAPA official stated, "The budget for core defense technology development this year is 445.6 billion KRW, an increase of about 34% compared to the previous year," adding, "We plan to continuously increase the budget to create a foundation that enables industry, academia, and research institutes to conduct challenging and innovative R&D and actively support defense exports."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.