Recently, a domestic media outlet reported that the contract between Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Shield AI could have serious implications for the export of the KF-21 fighter jet. In response, Shield AI stated on the 19th, "The contract is unrelated to the development of the KF-21 fighter jet," and "All procedures were conducted legally in accordance with relevant laws of Korea and the United States."

Shield AI successfully installs its unmanned control system Hivemind on the X-62 VISTA, which is a modified F-16 fighter jet, and achieves real flight. /Courtesy of Lockheed Martin

Earlier, a domestic outlet reported on the 16th that if KAI enters into a contract with Shield AI for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) software, it would have to pay a royalty of 10 billion won per fighter jet, which could disrupt exports. It also noted that if Shield AI claims intellectual property rights over KAI's self-developed AI applications, legal disputes would be unavoidable, raising concerns about procedural legitimacy.

In response, Shield AI clarified, "This contract is a private agreement between corporations and was entered into under a typical confidentiality clause," and emphasized, "There has not been a single discussion or consultation regarding the development of the KF-21 fighter jet."

Shield AI also rebutted claims regarding procedural issues and allegations of military technology linkage. The company stated, "KAI's legal and procurement departments were involved throughout the contract process, and all procedures were carried out according to the established process after several working meetings between the two companies."

Shield AI emphasized its commitment to continued cooperation with the Korean defense industry. The company stated, "We aim to contribute to Korea's self-defense and the innovation of defense technology and plan to expand cooperation with domestic defense corporations further."

Meanwhile, Shield AI is a leading autonomous systems technology company based in California, collaborating with global partners, including the Ministry of National Defense, to develop autonomous aviation technology. It has also successfully conducted flights by equipping its unmanned control system, Hivemind, on the X-62 VISTA, which is a modified F-16 fighter jet.