South Korea has convened an international summit to establish guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations, with over 90 countries, including the US and China, participating.
The two-day event in Seoul, co-hosted by South Korea, the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, aims to develop a blueprint for AI applications in defense, though no legally binding agreements are expected.
This summit follows last year’s gathering in Amsterdam, where nations endorsed a non-binding “call to action” on AI’s military use. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, referencing AI-enabled drones used by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, highlighted both the opportunities and risks AI poses in warfare, calling it a “double-edged sword.”
The discussions are focused on ensuring AI’s military applications comply with international law and introducing mechanisms to prevent autonomous weapons from making life-and-death decisions without human oversight. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul stressed the need for responsible AI use, drawing on principles already established by NATO and other countries.
Although it remains uncertain how many nations will endorse the blueprint, the summit reflects growing international efforts to regulate AI in defense. These efforts parallel ongoing talks within the United Nations and other global bodies regarding restrictions on autonomous weapons.
The summit has drawn around 2,000 participants, including government officials, academics, and representatives from international organizations and the private sector, who are discussing topics ranging from civilian protection to the use of AI in nuclear weapons control.
HD Hyundai showcased its unmanned surface vehicle (USV) technology at the event, demonstrating its battlefield command system developed in collaboration with US company Palantir Technologies. The USV, designed for reconnaissance missions, is set to be fully developed by 2026, incorporating cutting-edge AI technology.
With input from Reuters and the Korea Times.
