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AI's battlefield rise from Ukraine to Iran driving South Korean defense overhaul

By Choonsik Yoo ( March 18, 2026, 02:57 GMT | Comment) -- South Korea feels compelled to accelerate its push into sovereign and defense AI as conflicts from Ukraine to Iran show that artificial intelligence is reshaping warfare. AI systems now enable faster targeting, data fusion and battlefield analysis while compressing decision timelines and reinforcing software’s role as a decisive force multiplier. Officials say AI could become a strategic deterrent comparable to nuclear weapons, pressuring Seoul to expand military applications and pursue global governance leadership as demographic pressures reduce troop levels and intensify the urgency to transform into a smart, advanced military.With artificial intelligence having reportedly been used in recent military operations from Ukraine to Venezuela and Iran, South Korea feels vindicated in its strategic focus on sovereign and defense AI, as an innovation leader that faces its own military risks from North Korea. If anything, South Korea now feels compelled to accelerate its AI efforts....

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