Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Tuesday called for overhauling the military by expanding AI use and other measures to address future warfare and personnel shortages.
Ahn made the remarks during a seminar on plans to reform the military by 2040. He said dramatic change is necessary to respond to a complex security environment and changes in the paradigm of warfare. The ministry aims to expand manned-unmanned teaming combat systems with drones and robots. It also plans to increase outsourcing of non-combat troops and raise the proportion of officers from 40 percent to 67 percent. The military plans to maintain 500,000 standing troops by 2040 through more noncommissioned officers and full-time reserve forces. A task force formed in September last year will finalize the reform details by next month.
