Lawmakers of rival parties propose bill to promote AI-driven research in defense sector

▲ Lawmakers of the parliamentary national defense committee pose for a photo with the 12th Infantry Division in Inje, about 120 kilometers northeast of Seoul, in this file photo from Dec. 22, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

defense-AI bill

Lawmakers of rival parties propose bill to promote AI-driven research in defense sector

By Yi Wonju

SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Yonhap) -- Lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Monday introduced a bill aimed at promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and development for the defense sector.

The bill, jointly proposed by PPP Rep. Yu Yong-weon and DP Rep. Boo Seung-chan, along with 31 other lawmakers from the rival parties, comes as AI technologies are emerging as a "key factor shaping future defense capabilities."

"This bill will provide a fundamental framework to systematize defense AI as a key capability of national security, and to ensure that AI is used stably in defense operations and sustainable development," Rep. Yu said in a press release.

The bill, which the lawmakers said is the country's first such bill on comprehensively managing AI in the defense sector at the national level, aims to ensure the stable operation of the entire life cycle of defense AI from its early stages of research and development to operational deployment and post management.

"AI is a core strategic asset that shapes national security as a whole," Rep. Boo said. "The bill is significant in that it provides a foundational framework rather than focusing on regulation, and laying out principles and accountability at the minimum so that AI can be used stably in the military field."

The lawmakers said the proposed bill seeks to address concerns over the responsible use and sustainable development of defense AI, as the existing AI framework excludes the defense sector from its scope.

The bill also calls for the creation of a committee to deliberate and decide on key policies related to defense AI, as well as the establishment of a policy center and research institute.

Under the bill, the government would be required to come up with and implement a basic plan on military AI every three years.

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