South Korean Navy conducts 1st AI-assisted mine-sweeping exercise

South Korea’s Navy conducted its first mine-sweeping exercise using artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned vessels, testing technology designed to strengthen future maritime operations, the Yonhap news agency reported on Monday.

The exercise took place at a naval base in the southeastern port city of Busan and was jointly led by South Korean defense company Hanwha Systems, according to Yonhap News Agency, citing the navy.

The trial involved the Navy’s 730-ton Ongjin minesweeper and reconnaissance drones, alongside two unmanned surface vessels and an autonomous underwater vehicle developed by Hanwha.

The exercise simulated a scenario in which enemy mines had blockaded Busan port.

An “AI staff officer” system analyzed weather and sea-current conditions before providing operational guidance to the human commander aboard the Ongjin and the unmanned vessels.

Using the AI assessment, the minesweeper and unmanned vessels established search zones to locate simulated sea mines, while reconnaissance drones monitored the operational environment around the port.

The unmanned surface vessels do not currently have mine-sweeping capabilities and simulated the function during the exercise. The navy said they are expected to receive mine-clearing capabilities in future upgrades.

The trial demonstrated the potential effectiveness of combining AI-assisted decision-making with manned and unmanned platforms in future naval operations, the Navy said.