Last year, a personal device was developed utilizing smartphone and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to relay real-time information about combat situations occurring at the front lines, but it has not even taken its first step toward operationalization. This is because the Democratic Party of Korea reduced the budget for the project during the budget approval process for 2025. Many small and medium enterprises from South Korea participated in this project in addition to large corporations.
According to military authorities and the defense industry on the 2nd, Hanwha System completed the development of a personal battlefield visualization system last June. This is a combat system that shares the locations of enemies and allies with team members using tactical smartphones. It is capable of sending and receiving text messages and target visuals, and it can also transmit targets identified through scopes.
This combat system, which is expected to enhance the military's combat power and soldiers' survival capabilities, was deemed suitable for mass production after undergoing various tests by November of last year. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) allocated 190 million won in this year's budget to initiate the project. Although lawmakers from both parties on the National Assembly's Defense Committee agreed on the budget, when the Democratic Party of Korea created a budget cut proposal on its own, the budget for the project was not included.
The personal battlefield visualization system project is the second phase of the Army’s Warrior Platform project, which aims to increase survival rates and maximize combat effectiveness. DAPA plans to invest a total of 71.6 billion won over the next three years to operationalize the second phase, and allocated 190 million won in this year’s budget for an early start.
Currently, the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom are reported to have operationalized similar combat systems. The third phase aims for a 'wearable' system that soldiers can directly wear, linking the body with technology. With the early start budget not being reflected, setbacks in the plan have become inevitable.
Countries around the world are enhancing their defense capabilities using AI technology. North Korea publicly revealed a video of a drone strike test on the 27th of last month. Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party noted, "It seems that North Korea has secured Russian avionics equipment in exchange for the deployment of large-scale troops. Support from Russia, including AI technology for suicide drones, is expected to accelerate."
A military official stated, "The personal battlefield visualization system has significance in securing a foundation for operating AI-based command and control systems. Quick sending and receiving of information can enhance the military's response capabilities." It has been reported that more than eight small and medium enterprises participated in this project. DAPA is currently pushing for the inclusion of this project's budget in the supplementary budget being mentioned in the political circles.