AI in Defence Infrastructure: South Korea’s Capabilities and India’s Strategic Outlook

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming fundamental defense systems today. It helps maintain a better understanding of SIMs and the ability to make decisions in real time. It serves as an important way to enhance military capabilities for modern military operations. In the past few years, South Korea has invested heavily in defense research and development and has incorporated AI into its military by strengthening its position in the global semiconductor market. Furthermore, the continued flow of research and development funds and the strong partnership between the government and private technology sectors have made collaboration even more possible. My research paper will study how South Korea uses AI to advance its defense infrastructure. It will also analyze the broader impact of this technological shift on regional security challenges and technological competitions within the Indo-Pacific region. This paper also highlights that the military's turn toward AI and South Korea is not driven solely by external threats. It also helps shape internal factors, such as the urgent need for military modernization and the need for technology, to achieve greater human capital. 

South Korea's focus on technologies with dual-use technology and civil engineering significantly enhances its innovation ecosystem. India, in contrast, wants to advance its defense modernization through targeted deployment of AI in both indigenous production, digital, or strategic operational roles. Despite this, challenges such as technology deficiencies, lack of coordination between departments, and a lack of budget and resources are impacting the pace of AI adoption in the Indian Defence sector. So, my paper examines India's strategy amid these challenges: war on new frontiers and Indian security. This research paper, comparing and examining the two countries, highlights important areas of mutual cooperation between them. These include opportunities for the two countries' defense and industry to work together, research and manufacture goods together, and the use of AI technologies in the military.