South Korea urged to re-evaluate defense export policies in response to China's advancements in artificial intelligence weapons technology
South Korea is bolstering its military-industrial base and technological capabilities to maintain global competitiveness, particularly as China rapidly advances in AI, drones, and robotics for military applications. The country's strategic approach involves indigenous development, international partnerships, and targeted modernization of both hardware and digital systems.
**Modernizing Airpower and Advanced Platforms**
One of South Korea's flagship defense innovation programs is the KF-21 Boramae, designed to replace aging F-4 and F-5 fighters. The KF-21 is progressing through testing, with initial Block 1 deliveries on track, and Block 2 upgrades focusing on advanced air-to-ground capabilities. Future variants are planned to incorporate stealth features, reflecting an ambition to match next-generation offerings from global competitors.
Safety is a priority in the KF-21 testing process, with each sortie meticulously prepared, and the program's success considered critical for both domestic security and export potential.
The U.S. partnership is also crucial to South Korea's modernization efforts. The recent arrival of upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcons at Osan Air Base demonstrates a deepening integration with U.S. advanced avionics, digital systems, upgraded radars, electronic warfare suites, and enhanced communication links. These modernized F-16s bolster combined deterrence against North Korea and provide South Korea with access to platforms aligned with fifth-generation fighter capabilities.
**Strengthening U.S.-ROK Alliance and Technology Transfer**
The U.S. Air Force's phasing out of older platforms like the A-10 and F-15C/D in favor of more advanced aircraft, including the F-35, provides South Korea with insights into cutting-edge technologies and operational doctrines.
**Focus on Robotics, AI, and Drones**
South Korea's broader defense strategy includes substantial investments in AI, robotics, and unmanned systems. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has outlined plans to develop AI-driven command and control systems, autonomous drones, and robotic ground vehicles. These efforts are aimed at countering China's rapid gains in autonomous military technologies and ensuring interoperability with allied systems.
**Export and Industrial Strategy**
The KF-21 and other indigenous platforms are explicitly positioned for export, seeking to capture market share in regions seeking alternatives to U.S., European, or Chinese suppliers. South Korea's defense industry is also leveraging civil-military fusion and dual-use technologies to enhance competitiveness in the global arms market.
**Addressing the Challenge Posed by China**
Recognising the threat posed by China's military advancements, South Korea is addressing this challenge through a dual-track approach. On one hand, the country is developing its own advanced platforms like the KF-21, and on the other, it is deepening integration with U.S. technological modernization and operational concepts.
While the recent focus is on next-generation fighters, South Korea is also investing in AI, robotics, and drones to ensure comprehensive modernization and maintain its position as a competitive player in the global arms market.
The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade has suggested that South Korea must rethink its arms export strategy to maintain global competitiveness. China, on the other hand, accounted for 5.9 percent of global arms exports between 2020 and 2024, ranking fourth. China's defense budget for 2024 was raised 7.2 percent to 1.78 trillion yuan ($248 billion). State-run manufacturers such as Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Norinco, China Electronics Technology Corporation, and China State Shipbuilding Corporation have unveiled AI-powered combat robots, drone swarms, and unmanned naval vessels.
The "Robot Wolf," an autonomous combat robot developed using civilian AI technology from Zhensin Technology, is a prominent example of military-civil fusion in China. The report, titled "China's Defense Industry: Status and Implications," provides a comprehensive analysis of China's military technological advancements and their implications for global security.
- South Korea's strategic approach toward maintaining global competitiveness includes targeted modernization, not only in the hardware sector like the KF-21 Boramae fighter, but also in the digital systems, such as integrating artificial-intelligence (AI) for command and control systems, autonomous drones, and robotic ground vehicles.
- To counter China's rapid advancements in AI-driven military technologies, South Korea's defense industry is also focusing on finance and technology collaborations, particularly in the areas of AI, robotics, and drones, and using these advancements to ensure interoperability with allied systems and to strengthen its position in the global arms market.
