Goyang: Hyundai Rotem Co., South Korea’s only tank manufacturer, has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S.-based artificial intelligence (AI) solutions provider Shield AI. The collaboration aims to develop AI-based defense technologies.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the MOU was signed on Thursday during the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) in Goyang, located just northwest of Seoul. The partnership will focus on creating AI-based multipurpose drone operation technologies for defense applications. Hyundai Rotem plans to leverage Shield AI’s Hivemind Enterprise, an AI-based autonomous combat software platform, to enhance unmanned system autonomy and combat mission capabilities.

The company intends to expand its global technology collaboration network through “open innovation” by incorporating various defense AI and advanced technologies. This strategy will help Hyundai Rotem adapt to the rapid pace of technological advancements and market changes.

An initial focus of the collaboration will be on developing technologies that integrate autonomous drones into Hyundai Rotem’s next-generation ground weapon systems. Additionally, the company plans to create autonomous mission execution and swarm control systems for unmanned vehicles such as its HR-SHERPA multipurpose vehicle and quadruped robots.