SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) — Hyundai Rotem Co., South Korea’s sole tank manufacturer, said Friday it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) solutions provider Shield AI to develop AI-based defense technologies.
Under the MOU signed Thursday during the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul, the two companies will jointly develop AI-based multipurpose drone operation technologies for defense applications, the company said in a press release.
Hyundai Rotem will utilize Shield AI’s Hivemind Enterprise, an AI-based autonomous combat software platform, for research and development to progressively enhance unmanned system autonomy and combat mission capabilities, it said.
The company plans to diversify its global technology collaboration network through “open innovation,” adopting various defense AI and cutting-edge technologies to flexibly respond to rapid technological advances and market changes.
As an initial step, Hyundai Rotem aims to develop technologies that integrate autonomous drones into its next-generation ground weapon systems.
It also plans to develop autonomous mission execution and swarm control systems for unmanned vehicles such as its HR-SHERPA multipurpose vehicle and quadruped robots, the release said.
This photo, taken Oct. 24, 2025, and provided by Hyundai Rotem Co., shows the company’s Executive Vice President Lee Jeong-yeob (L), head of the Defense Solution Business Division, and Mike Hanlin, Senior Director of International Strategy & Business Development at Shield AI, posing after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a partnership for artificial intelligence (AI)-based defense technologies during the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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