Hyundai Rotem said on the 24th that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 23rd with Shield AI, a U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) solution company, to develop "defense AI-based multi-purpose drone operation technology."

Hyundai Rotem plans to apply Shield AI's autonomous combat platform to next-generation manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) ground weapon systems to respond to nonlinear threats. Modern warfare is trending toward nonlinear combat, where the line of battle is becoming blurred, including early detection of enemy forces using drones and the expansion of guerrilla warfare.

Lee Jeong-yeop (left), Hyundai Rotem vice president, and Mike Hanlin (right), Shield AI global head of strategy and business development, pose for a commemorative photo after signing a memorandum of understanding on the 23rd at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi, at the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Industry Exhibition (ADEX) on cooperation to develop defense AI-based multipurpose drone operation technology. /Courtesy of Hyundai Rotem

Shield AI's AI-based autonomous combat software platform "Hivemind Enterprise (HME)" is a tool for developing autonomous mission execution technology that enables collaboration and task sharing among platforms without human intervention. It has been used mainly in the adoption of unmanned strategic asset by the United States and Australia.

Hyundai Rotem will develop technology to mount autonomous mission-executing drones on ground weapon product lines, and then evolve it into a system for autonomous mission execution and swarm control of unmanned systems. In the final stage, the plan is to develop AI technology that can integrally command and control multiple manned-unmanned teaming weapon systems.

A Hyundai Rotem official said, "We plan to actively evolve next-generation ground weapon systems in line with rapidly changing global battlefield trends," adding, "We will continue to strive to contribute to Korea's leap toward an 'AI strong military.'"

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