Pangyo, South Korea December 19,2025– Spacebank Inc., a leading digital innovation company specializing in AI-Driven Digital Transformation (AIDX), has been appointed as the lead operating organization of the newly established Defense AX Council. The council was officially launched today at the Pangyo Future Defense Convergence Research Center, marking a major milestone in South Korea’s defense-sector AI transformation.

The Defense AX Council is a comprehensive industry–academia–government cooperation framework designed to accelerate artificial intelligence transformation across the defense sector. It brings together a diverse ecosystem of defense contractors, ICT companies, AI and software enterprises, universities, research institutions, and local government agencies to drive innovation and technological advancement.

Centered in Pangyo and the Seoul metropolitan area, the council aims to advance defense AI capabilities while simultaneously fostering corporate growth. This will be achieved through close collaboration among organizations with core AI and ICT competencies, including companies, universities, research institutes, and government bodies.

The Defense AX Council will pursue the following key initiatives:

-Corporate mentoring for military-focused AI education programs

-Utilization of the Pangyo Defense Data Lab for research and development

-Provision of defense industry expert consulting services

-Collaborative R&D in advanced defense AI technologies

-Sharing of cutting-edge defense technology insights and best practices

-Quarterly technology exchange seminars to promote knowledge transfer

-Operation of a permanent council office to ensure sustained collaboration

As the lead operating organization, Spacebank will oversee council operations, coordinate collaboration among participating members, and manage pilot projects and joint programs. The company will also play an active role in identifying cooperative initiatives and supporting their real-world implementation. Spacebank is recognized for its AIDX-based data-driven decision-making solutions, as well as its integrated AIoT and robotics control technologies.

At the launch event, Jonghwan Kim, Head of the AI Technology Requirements Division at the Republic of Korea Army Training and Doctrine Command, delivered welcoming remarks, noting that AI-driven transformation is rapidly advancing within the defense sector. He emphasized that the Defense AX Council would serve as a vital platform for collaboration between military and civilian sectors to strengthen national security while contributing to industrial development.

In a congratulatory address, Gun-young Heo, former President of the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality, highlighted AI as a critical technology shaping both national security and economic competitiveness. While acknowledging ongoing progress, he pointed to the need for further improvements in legal frameworks, standards, and regulations, expressing confidence that the council would help establish a sustainable cooperative structure involving government, the military, industry, academia, and local authorities.

Hyungi Cho, former Director General of Resource Management at the Ministry of National Defense, shared the government’s Defense AX policy outlook. He described the next three years as a critical window for large-scale AI transformation in defense, driven by three core pillars: strengthened governance, infrastructure development, and ecosystem building. He also noted that approximately KRW 30 billion in Defense AX-related funding is expected to be allocated starting next year, creating significant opportunities for companies, research institutions, and startups.

The Defense AX Council includes major defense and ICT companies such as Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, Samsung SDS, KT, and LIG Nex1, along with more than 30 AI and software companies including Spacebank, MakinaRocks, WiseiTech, Konan Technology, CrowdData, Funzin, and Hancom Lifecare. Supporting organizations—such as the Gyeonggi Research Institute, Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator, Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, and Shin & Kim LLC—will provide advisory, legal, and institutional support.

Woney Lee, CEO of Spacebank, commented, “The Defense AX Council is meaningful as an action-oriented platform that connects policy, technology, and real-world implementation. As the lead operating organization, we will focus on ensuring stable operations and effective coordination so that participating members can achieve tangible outcomes.”

In parallel, Sungkyunkwan University has operated a military-focused AI education program since 2022, training 289 military officers to date, with plans to train an additional 145 officers next year. Kwangsoo Kim, Director of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence Convergence at Sungkyunkwan University, noted that collaboration is now expanding beyond education. He emphasized that by strengthening cooperation among the military, universities, companies, and research institutions—and linking these efforts with physical AI technology development—Pangyo can be established as a central hub for Defense AX innovation.