The South Korean military is moving to adopt artificial intelligence and robotic systems in combat support units — including maintenance, logistics and medical services — as it seeks to offset a shrinking pool of conscripts amid falling birth rates.
According to military officials on Tuesday, the Army Logistics Command has commissioned a study on how to apply AI-powered robotic systems to crewed-uncrewed integrated combat support, and is currently selecting a research institute.
“The introduction of AI-based robots is a key means of addressing personnel shortages caused by declining birth rates,” the command said, noting that militaries in other countries are already using such systems beyond reconnaissance for tasks such as supply transport, explosive ordnance disposal and other combat support roles.
The move is part of broader efforts under Seoul’s “Defense Innovation 4.0” initiative to build a more technology-driven force, including a phased shift toward crewed-uncrewed integration.
The study will review policy directions, technological capabilities and deployment strategies in countries that have already adopted military robotics. It will also seek to establish definitions and concepts for integrating AI into both weapons systems and support structures.
Additionally, it will identify potential use cases across Army support units, including maintenance, supply, transportation, ammunition handling, medical services and military police.
The project calls for a detailed assessment of operational needs, required performance and potential timelines for adoption, taking into account the pace of civilian technology development.
Separately, the Army’s Second Operations Command is studying the application of AI and crewed-uncrewed systems to rear-area maneuver units, including plans to form specialized company-level units and operate multiple battalions in an integrated manner.
The study also explores ways to enhance mobility and precision strike capabilities, as well as develop training systems suited to future battlefields. It includes projections of changes in the operational environment over both the near term of five to 10 years and the long term of around 30 years, reflecting evolving government and infrastructure conditions.
Separately, the Army is advancing its crewed-uncrewed integration strategy under the “Army Tiger Plus” framework, which envisions deploying drones and uncrewed robots into high-risk areas such as minefields or rugged terrain, before sending in troops.
The AI-powered surveillance systems would identify potential threats, track movement and predict arrival times as it shares data through integrated command-and-control networks to enable rapid responses.
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