Transformation in defense technology: Experts call for innovation to deploy AI-powered robot forces

Konyang University President Kim Yong-ha, center, and Nonsan Maj. Baek Sung-hyeon, fourth from left, pose with other dignitaries at the school's Glocal Campus in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, Thursday, during a defense forum hosted by the school and the Hankook Ilbo. Korea Times photo by Ha Sang-yun

Scholars and businesspeople from the defense industry said advances in artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned systems and robotics are poised to fundamentally reshape future warfare, during a forum Thursday.

They discussed technical developments in the defense industry at the Glocal Defense Forum, co-organized by Konyang University and the Hankook Ilbo, the sister paper of The Korea Times, at the school's Glocal Campus in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province.

The event coincided with a ceremony to proclaim the college’s "Glocal Vision." The term "glocal," a combination of "global" and "local," highlights the importance of preserving regional identity while adapting to the wider process of globalization.

“We will witness AI–equipped robot forces as early as within 10 years — if not, certainly by the end of two decades,” said Moon Il-chul, director of the Defense Intelligence Swarm Research Center at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

Although Korea is expected to spend 61.6 trillion won ($46.3 billion) for its defense in 2025, or 9.15 percent of the government’s yearly budget of 673 trillion won, the participants said the country has a long road ahead in accommodating AI technology.

“Korea’s biggest problem in its AI development is that their efforts rarely improve the country’s actual defense capabilities,” Moon said.

“Now, the traditional defense concept of land, sea and air has transformed into operations coordinated through AI-based integrated battlefield management systems. Unmanned weapon systems — such as drones outfitted with AI software — have already become central to contemporary defense strategies.”

Major U.S. think tanks, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Center for a New American Security and RAND Corp., have already focused on the expansion of unmanned and autonomous weapon systems powered by AI.

University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) professor Jon Hakkila emphasized local academia’s role in training next-generation defense industry talent.

He recommended UAH as a model. Huntsville is often called the “rocket hub,” hosting more than 300 aerospace and defense firms, as well as national institutions such as NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

He said nearly all UAH academic departments are aligned with U.S. defense needs, offering specialized programs in aerospace engineering, computer science and electrical engineering.

The professor said students participate in cooperative education programs that directly link them to jobs in government agencies and defense contractors, with about 80 percent of its graduates remaining employed in Alabama.

University of Alabama in Huntsville professor Jon Hakkila delivers his keynote address at Konyang University's Global Campus in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, Thursday, during a defense forum hosted by the Konyang University and the Hankook Ilbo. Korea Times photo by Ha Sang-yun