NAVER Cloud CEO Yuwon Kim unveils defense AI blueprint: “Civil-military cooperation is essential”

[Financial News] NAVER Cloud stressed the need to build AI infrastructure and a secure AI operating framework for future battlefields. It said civil-military cooperation and a shift in how infrastructure is operated are needed to enable the military to secure control over AI while rapidly adopting proven private-sector technologies.
According to industry sources on the 4th, NAVER Cloud CEO Yuwon Kim made the remarks in a keynote address at the International Army Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Academic Conference and Exhibition (IAMSEC 2026), held at the Daejeon Convention Center on the 3rd. IAMSEC is Asia’s largest modeling and simulation event.
Kim explained that the scale of AI needed by the military would grow exponentially based not simply on troop numbers but on factors such as the scope of information gathering, analysis cycles, simulations and mission scale. He said a system was needed to connect a “central AI factory,” which handles large-scale models and simulations; “mission AI,” which fuses information to support operations; and “field AI,” which carries out missions even when communications are cut off.
He also outlined ways to ensure AI reliability. He said a “human-in-the-loop” approach should be applied, with AI decisions cross-checked against their sources and supporting evidence, and important actions carried out only with human approval. He added that it was also important to operate in a sovereign AI environment where data, models and infrastructure can be directly controlled.
He recommended changing the defense technology acquisition system to keep pace with rapidly changing battlefield conditions. The system should shift to focus on rapid testing and iterative development, he said, while infrastructure should be operated on a subscription basis so the latest resources can be used when needed. He also emphasized civil-military cooperation that allows the military to retain control while rapidly adopting proven private-sector technologies.
“A strong military of the future will be one that controls AI and develops it on its own,” Kim said. “Military leaders should establish the institutional and control frameworks, personnel in the field should provide opportunities for testing, and companies should provide technology and infrastructure. NAVER Cloud, too, will remain a committed partner to the military in its efforts to become more science-driven and intelligent.”
Meanwhile, NAVER Cloud set up an exhibition booth at the venue under the theme “NAVER Cloud, a full-stack technology partner for defense AI.” The booth was divided into three sections—defense-specific AI models, a defense AI platform and defense-specific cloud—to showcase the potential applications of AI in the defense sector.
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