Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek visited a coastal surveillance operation site in Jeonbuk to personally inspect the pilot operation of an AI-based surveillance system. Minister Ahn emphasized that establishing an advanced technology-based surveillance system is essential for the evolving security environment and highlighted it as a critical turning point for the military's leap towards becoming a smart, elite, and strong force. The Ministry of National Defense plans to gradually expand the application of this system.

On the 24th, Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek visited the Coastal Surveillance Mobile Battalion under the Army's 35th Division, which conducts coastal surveillance operations in the Jeonbuk region, to thoroughly inspect the pilot operation status of the 'AI-based Coastal Surveillance System.' This visit is interpreted as a strong demonstration of the Ministry of National Defense's commitment to integrating advanced science and technology into the defense sector amidst a rapidly changing security environment. In the command and control room, Minister Ahn received a report from the battalion commander on the overall status of current surveillance operations and personally observed the actual operation of the newly introduced AI-based system. This system functions by having artificial intelligence analyze video information and radar signal data collected from various surveillance equipment in real-time to identify threat elements and assess situations.

▲ Minister Ahn Gyu-baek

At the site, Minister Ahn reiterated the importance of the AI-based coastal surveillance operation system, stating, "Building an advanced technology-based surveillance system in line with the changing security environment is not an option, but a necessity." This remark suggests that beyond mere technology adoption, the role of artificial intelligence technology is growing as a strategic imperative for national security. He specifically mentioned that this system would be a critical turning point for our military to leap towards becoming a 'smart, elite, and strong force' based on advanced science and technology, thereby presenting the future direction of national defense capabilities. This reveals the Ministry of National Defense's long-term vision to move away from past personnel-centric defense systems and establish efficient and precise surveillance postures using data and AI analytical capabilities. The AI-based system is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency by complementing human cognitive limitations, reducing false alarms, and continuously performing surveillance missions 24 hours a day.

▲ On-site inspection of the AI-based coastal surveillance system

Minister Ahn emphasized to the service members that coastal surveillance operations are not solely a military task but require integrated efforts with related agencies such as the Coast Guard and local governments. He pointed out the necessity of establishing close communication and cooperation systems from peacetime to ensure the ability to respond immediately to any situation. This demonstrates the importance of a governance-level approach, involving multi-agency cooperation, alongside the adoption of advanced technology, for strengthening national defense capabilities. Furthermore, Minister Ahn stated, "Even as AI advances, it is ultimately people who operate it," clarifying that technological development complements and strengthens human roles rather than replacing them. He boosted the morale of the service members performing surveillance duties by emphasizing that they are 'the last bastion protecting the Republic of Korea' and reaffirmed a human-centered philosophy of technology operation. The Ministry of National Defense plans to gradually expand the application of this 'AI-based Coastal Surveillance System,' linked to the development of such advanced science and technology, across the entire military. This is expected to be a continuous effort to secure superiority in future battlefields and ensure efficient national defense operations.