Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and top military officials discussed Wednesday ways to incorporate more data and artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the defense sector in a bid to help build a smarter military, his office said. In the meeting, participants discussed policy efforts to expand data learning and AI technology while factoring in the military's strict cybersecurity standards and limited access to external networks, according to the defense ministry. Also discussed in the meeting were establishing a 5G network for the defense sector, nurturing AI technology professionals and securing frequency bands to operate manned and unmanned military assets as a team, it added. "Above all, it is important for all members of the military to understand the need for AI technology and establish capabilities to freely make use of it, to build a strong military backed by AI technology and science," Shin said. Starting Wednesday, the ministry will also launch a "defense generative AI" system for employees, d esigned to provide AI-powered services, such as translation of military terminology and provision of information on internal regulations. In April, the ministry launched a research center aimed at overseeing AI development in the defense sector as part of the Defense Innovation 4.0 initiative, which aims to make the military slimmer yet smarter based on AI and other cutting-edge technologies. Source: Yonhap News Agency