Busan: The Navy announced on Monday that it has successfully carried out its first mine-sweeping trial utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology and unmanned vessels. This move is part of an effort to enhance future maritime operational capabilities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the trial was a collaborative effort led by South Korean defense company Hanwha Systems and took place at a naval base in Busan. The exercise involved the 730-ton Ongjin minesweeper, spy drones, two unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and an autonomous underwater vehicle developed by Hanwha. The scenario was based on a hypothetical blockade of Busan port by enemy mines.

Although Hanwha's USVs are not yet equipped for minesweeping, they participated in the trial as if they were, with plans for future upgrades to include mine-clearing capabilities. An "AI staff officer" system directed the trial mission, analyzing weather and sea current conditions to assist the human commander on the Ongjin vessel and the unmanned ships.

Using the AI staff officer's report, the Ongjin and the unmanned vessels established search zones to locate simulated sea mines. Meanwhile, spy drones assessed the operational environment around the port. The trial demonstrated the effectiveness of combining AI-supported missions with manned and unmanned operations in naval missions.