Naver and KAI Join Forces to Build Sovereign Defense AI Platform

South Korea's Naver has partnered with Korea Aerospace Industries to develop artificial intelligence tailored for defense and future combat systems, marking a significant step toward the country's goal of technological self-reliance in national security.

Naver said the agreement was formalized Monday at KAI's headquarters in Sacheon, where Naver, its cloud arm Naver Cloud and the aircraft maker signed a memorandum of understanding. Naver Chief Executive Choi Soo-yeon, Naver Cloud CEO Kim Yoo-won and KAI CEO Kim Jong-chul attended the signing ceremony.

The three companies plan to first develop a defense-specific AI foundation model, described as sovereign AI built and operated domestically to reflect South Korea's language, data, laws and security requirements. The approach is intended to reduce reliance on foreign technology and lower security risks.

The collaboration will extend across future combat systems. KAI plans to apply AI to unmanned aircraft platforms and to develop AI pilots for future battlefield environments, including its next-generation air combat system. The companies also aim to raise the level of autonomy in aerospace platforms, including manned-unmanned teaming.

Beyond product development, the partners intend to jointly pursue government-led research programs and block-funding initiatives, creating a cooperation framework linking industry, government and the military. They also plan to expand an AI ecosystem with defense and aviation suppliers to strengthen the domestic industry.

Choi said technological self-reliance in defense is "directly connected to national sovereignty," while Kim said global competition in defense AI is intensifying and requires a combined response. The deal pairs one of South Korea's leading AI firms with a core aerospace and defense contractor as Seoul pushes to secure independent AI infrastructure for its military.