Analysis of the Current State of Artificial Intelligence in South Korea’s Defense Sector using Patent Analysis

This study quantitatively analyzed artificial intelligence (AI) technology trends in South Korea’s defense sector using patent data. By examining both the private sector and defense, we identified similar develop- ment patterns, characterized by a significant and radical increase in AI technology since the 2010s. Notably, the Agency for Defense Development holds the most AI technology patents in the defense sector, followed by universities and defense industry companies. Machine learning and pattern recognition tech- nologies were prevalent, while healthcare and informatics AI technologies were more prominent in the pri- vate sector. Word cloud analysis revealed key terms related to AI and defense, reflecting the sector’s focus. Topic modeling identified five AI technology areas for defense applications. Our findings provide a novel framework for trend analysis, informing policy formulation and future directions in Korean defense AI development.