“It was very impressive to see Korean defense companies achieving technological innovation using artificial intelligence (AI). Our military is currently in the stage of introducing fighter jets, so I found the explanation of Korea Aerospace Industries' (KAI) 'K-Pilot' (AI pilot) intriguing.” (A military attaché from a Latin American country)

On the 25th, the 'Dong-A K-Defense Forum 2025' was held at Lotte Hotel Seoul in Jung-gu, Seoul, hosted by Dong-A Ilbo and Channel A. The forum, themed 'The Future of K-Defense Evolving with AI and Unmanned Systems,' gathered over 100 defense industry leaders, including government officials, politicians, and domestic and international defense company representatives. Demonstrating the elevated status of K-Defense, the forum was attended by diplomats, including 30 military attachés from 20 countries, showcasing its 'global forum' aspect. These foreign attachés attentively listened to the technical explanations from Korean defense companies without leaving their seats. During breaks and lunch, they were seen exchanging information with domestic defense experts and other countries' attachés.

One foreign attaché stated, “I listened very carefully to the explanation of Hanwha Aerospace's 'Cheonmu 2.0,' which can strike moving warships,” and expressed a desire to hear more detailed information from the company in the future.

● The Battlefield of Movies Becoming Reality

Presenters from each company showcased AI and unmanned systems that will change the paradigm of future battlefields.

Chae Hoon, head of Hanwha Aerospace's PGM Research Institute, introduced the 'Cheonmu 3.0,' under development by the company, stating, “When a drone equipped with AI separates from the launched rocket, it flies over the battlefield, autonomously recognizing and striking the enemy. AI even decides which weapon to fire where.”

Hanwha Ocean introduced a next-generation strategic surface vessel that enhances combat performance and operational efficiency. This surface vessel, which automates weapon operations using AI, can be operated with a crew of about 70, half the size of traditional vessels. Kim Il-hong, executive director of Hanwha Ocean's Special Ship Design Department, stated, “We are also researching to break away from traditional ship shapes and enhance close-range response capabilities with laser cannons.”

Predictions were made that unmanned aerial vehicles would soon dominate air superiority. KAI unveiled the 'K-Pilot' concept at this forum, where AI controls unmanned aerial vehicles to suppress air defense networks. Lim Sung-shin, head of KAI's AI Software Research Lab, predicted, “In the future air battlefield, unmanned aerial vehicles will handle initial enemy disruption and air defense network destruction, while human pilots aboard the KF-21 will manage combat command, make final decisions, and participate in aerial combat if necessary.”

It is also anticipated that unmanned equipment will soon perform the role of planting the allied flag in enemy territory alongside soldiers. Hyundai Rotem is developing a 'Ground Unmanned-Manned Teaming (MUM-T)' system, where AI-based automated tanks, multipurpose unmanned vehicles, and quadrupedal walking robots conduct joint operations with humans. Kim Seok-hwan, head of Hyundai Rotem's Unmanned-Manned Combat System Department, stated, “As AI technology advances, autonomous driving of land combat vehicles, currently centered on unpaved tactical roads, will become possible in rough terrain, enhancing combat power.”

● “Civil AI Technology Should Be Actively Introduced into Defense”

The forum also discussed tasks to further develop the technology of K-Defense, which has risen to the world's 8th rank. Choi Tae-bok, executive director of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Naval and Medium Ship Business Division, suggested, “As the U.S. Navy sets a goal to operationalize over 130 unmanned vessels by 2050, the development speed of unmanned-manned complex system technology has accelerated faster than expected. K-Defense needs to actively adopt AI technology from the already advanced civilian sector to lead the technology.”

LIG Nex1 emphasized the need for an organization that can efficiently share scattered AI development organizations and data. Kwon Cheol-hee, head of LIG Nex1's AI Research Institute, stated, “To increase AI research efficiency, we have established the first AI research institute among defense companies and built an integrated system infrastructure.”

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