Agency to pursue defense advanced forces bill in second half of year

AI roadmap, co-prosperity system to be formalized

Defense Acquisition Program Administration chief Lee Yong-cheol delivers a commemorative address at the agency's 20th anniversary ceremony held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on Jan. 2. [DAPA]
Defense Acquisition Program Administration chief Lee Yong-cheol delivers a commemorative address at the agency's 20th anniversary ceremony held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on Jan. 2. [DAPA]

Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) chief Lee Yong-cheol said Tuesday that the agency is laying the groundwork to make South Korea one of the world's top four defense powers through a sweeping transformation of its defense industry. He made the remarks at a National Assembly Defense Committee national audit, noting that DAPA is marking its 20th anniversary this year and has been strengthening its roles and responsibilities in kind.

Lee identified the rapid acquisition of advanced military capabilities and an AI-driven transformation of the defense industry as the agency's key priorities.

"In the second half of the year, we will push ahead without delay with enacting the Defense Advanced Forces Project Act to swiftly secure cutting-edge capabilities," Lee said. "We will also establish a defense AI transformation roadmap to accelerate the shift toward a science-based advanced military."

He added that the agency would build a sustainable defense industry ecosystem through measures including formalizing a co-prosperity cooperation system between large and small-to-medium enterprises.

Lee said he intends to use the national audit as an opportunity to review DAPA's operations across the board. "Based on the issues discussed today, we will carefully examine all aspects of defense procurement to ensure projects are carried out successfully, while further developing our policies and systems," he said.


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