South Korea Invests IDR 1.34 Trillion For Defense Technology Development

JAKARTA - Korea will invest 113.4 billion won (Rp1,344,292,362,000) this year to develop next-generation defense technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and robots, the industry ministry said late last month.

This figure marks an increase of 32.3 percent from the corresponding tally for 2024, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

"To lead a rapidly growing defense market, we need to achieve technological innovation through the convergence of cutting-edge technology from the private sector, including AI and drones, and the defense sector," said First Deputy Minister of Industry Park Sung-taek, quoted by The Korea Times on May 8.

The investment will be channeled to 132 projects, including the development of amphibious mobile reconnaissance robots and a micro-suicide drone system, as well as the development of future generation weapons systems for export.

The government will also form a civilian-military council for maintenance, repair and thorough inspection (MRO) of naval vessels as part of efforts to strengthen national defense cooperation with the US, the ministry said.