KT is moving to build a cooperation framework to lead AI innovation in the defence sector.

KT joined as a co-chair of the Defense AI Leaders Forum at its launch ceremony held on Jan. 15 at the Defense Convention in Seoul's Yongsan district. It signed a three-party memorandum of understanding with the Korea Defense Innovation Technology Security Association and the Korea AI Association.

The Defense AI Leaders Forum is a cooperative body launched to lead innovative use of AI in the defence sector and the establishment of trustworthy AI.

The forum presented five core visions: contributing to defence AI policy and strategy; innovating combat capability by identifying core AI technologies and application models; supporting the training of defence AI talent and the establishment of education and training systems; establishing trustworthy defence AI systems with security and safety; and creating an AI innovation ecosystem based on industry, academia, research and the military.

As a co-chair, KT said it will actively support AI-based defence innovation by combining its AICT capabilities with its know-how from operating the national backbone communications network. It said it will focus on identifying and validating defence-specific AI models with verified security and stability, taking into account the special characteristics of the defence sector.

About 150 people attended the launch ceremony, including key officials from the co-chair organisations such as KT, the Korea Defense Innovation Technology Security Association and the Korea AI Association, as well as figures from political and government circles and key defence officials.

Kim Seung-joo, head of the Korea Defense Innovation Technology Security Association, said the association will place communication and cooperation with the Korea AI Association and KT at the centre of its work. He said it will faithfully fulfil its role as a bridge connecting the field and policy on defence AI and as a specialised organisation that contributes in practical terms to national security and industrial development.

Kim Hyun-chul, head of the Korea AI Association, said it will continue to strengthen its role in cooperation and linkage so that member companies' AI technologies can be used in practice in the defence field. He said it will promote organic cooperation among industry, academia, research and the military centred on the Defense AI Leaders Forum.

Ahn Chang-yong, head of KT's Enterprise Division and a vice president, stressed that KT will provide full support for defence development by sharing its AICT capabilities and experience as a co-chair. He said it will contribute to South Korea's leap into a global defence AI powerhouse.