defense tech-committee

Gov't launches committee to develop defense science technology

SEOUL, Oct. 7 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government launched a committee Thursday to promote the country's defense science technology.

The 15-member committee is headed by Defense Minister Suh Wook, and joined by vice ministerial-level officials from defense, finance, science and trade ministries as well as heads of state-run research institutes and civilian experts, according to the defense ministry.

During the inaugural meeting, officials discussed plans to invest in next-generation strategic technologies, including artificial intelligence and space science, and vowed to boost private firms' participation in the government's research and development (R&D) projects.

The move is part of the government's broader efforts to nurture the nation's defense industry.

The ministry earlier said it will spend 4.88 trillion won (US$4.1 billion) of its next-year budget for R&D of cutting-edge defense technologies, up 13 percent from this year.

"The new committee will provide blueprints for defense science technology innovations, and serve as a platform for close coordination among different government agencies to more effectively push for various defense R&D projects," Suh said.

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