[Defense Brief] AI Weapons: Time for Decisive Leadership in the Military

In September 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping used the term "new quality combat capability" for the first time during his inspection of Heilongjiang Province. In English, this translates to "new quality," and in Chinese, it is interpreted as a form of productivity combined with new production methods. Since then, the term "new quality" has also been applied to national defense, referring to "new quality combat capability." This means combat power enhanced with new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

This new quality combat capability is already being implemented. This month, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) amphibious units deployed "robotic wolves" for the first time, training them alongside human soldiers. Large drones have also made their appearance. Equipped with automatic bombing devices, these drones target enemies in unprotected positions or in makeshift cover at bridgeheads. High-speed suicide drones carry explosives and strike by charging at individual soldiers or light combat vehicles before detonating. Not only the military but also Chinese public security forces have deployed robots in real operations. The police robots are tire-shaped, autonomous robots that pursue criminals at speeds of up to 35 km/h. With camera sensors, they can identify wanted suspects through facial recognition and are also capable of firing net guns.

China's ability to rapidly deploy advanced technology weapons in national security stems from decisive leadership and strong drive. Through national strategies such as "Made in China 2025," announced in 2015, China fostered the robotics industry as a core sector. In October 2023, China set a goal to achieve world-leading technology in humanoid robotics by 2027 through the "Guiding Opinions on Innovation and Development of Humanoid Robots." In China, "guiding opinions" are policy directives issued at the government and party level and carry strong enforcement power.

The results were immediate. In April, China hosted the world's first "Humanoid Robot Marathon." For the first time, humanoid robots entered everyday urban environments, rather than controlled laboratories or limited indoor and outdoor spaces. Humanoid robots are a prime example of "physical AI," a term used by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang earlier this year. "Physical AI" refers to AI technology that exists not just within computers but is embedded in machines like robots, enabling them to interact and move alongside humans. China is now aiming not only to dominate 70% of the global drone market but also to capture the AI market for defense industries. According to market research firm Grand View Research, the global defense AI market is projected to grow from $9.31 billion (about 13 trillion won) last year to $19.29 billion (about 28 trillion won) by 2030.

What about the current state of our military, which has been promoting AI for several years? In 2022, after a North Korean drone infiltrated Seoul's airspace, the Drone Operations Command was hastily established, and the Army Tiger 4.0 project is underway. However, fundamental problems remain unresolved. There is a severe shortage of convergent talent within the military who understand both AI technology and military strategy. The AI education system is also inadequate. There is no institutional foundation to utilize civilian experts within the military. Data sharing with the private sector is avoided in the name of security. Each branch's self-interest has prevented the formation of an integrated command structure. There is also no system to quickly adopt civilian technologies. Institutional barriers mean it would take at least ten years to operationalize AI robots. AI is also excluded from joint training exercises with the United States. A redesign is needed. Fundamental issues such as systems, organizations, and talent that enable civil-military cooperation must be addressed. What our military needs most urgently is not "technology," but "decisive leadership."