AI That Fails in Combat Is Useless: Korea's Defense Sector Urged to Open Doors to Startups

The push for greater startup involvement stems from observations in recent conflicts, where AI and unmanned systems proved decisive. South Korean defense officials recognize that while the country has a history of localizing weapons systems, future competitiveness depends on quickly converting innovative technologies like AI and unmanned systems into combat power. This requires an industrial ecosystem that supports growth beyond initial technology development.

A primary challenge identified is the military's current AI infrastructure. Despite holding large volumes of data, there is a shortage of refined, high-quality data for AI training. Common platforms for development and deployment, computing infrastructure, specialized personnel, and appropriate acquisition rules are also deemed inadequate. The current approach, where each program develops its own data processing and software, leads to duplicate investments and limits technological accumulation.

To address these issues, the Ministry of Defense is pursuing a sovereign defense AI capability through a common defense AI platform and defense-specific AI models. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology, such as overseas AI platforms, which could pose risks to technological sovereignty and national security. Supporting this transition requires sustained investment and institutional reform, including expanding opportunities for private companies to conduct AI field trials and streamlining procurement processes.

Major defense companies like Hanwha Systems and LIG D&A are reportedly expanding efforts to adopt venture technology, aligning with the broader goal of fostering K-defense unicorns. The vision is to create an integrated innovation system that spans data, platforms, field trials, and acquisition rules, moving beyond individual technology development to a comprehensive defense AI ecosystem.