Army chief highlights S. Korea's drive for combat system modernization at forum

By Kim Seung-yeon SEOUL, May 15 (Yonhap) -- The chief of the South Korean Army has highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize combat systems incorporating unmanned technologies, such as drones and robots, reaffirming the Army's role in helping ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Gyu-ha made the remarks in a keynote speech at the Land Forces Pacific Symposium (LANPAC) forum in Hawaii on Wednesday (local time), the Army said in a press release. LANPAC is a U.S.-led international forum that brings together top military officials from countries in the Indo-Pacific for discussions on regional security and the future of land power, among other issues. In the speech, Kim introduced the "Army TIGER" project aimed at upgrading combat units with manned and unmanned technologies, including drones and robots, by 2040 to be better equipped for multidomain operations. "Going forward, the Republic of Korea Army will continue to strive for innovation to maintain a robust deterrence posture on the Korean Peninsula, while fully carrying out its role in contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, together with our ally and partner nations," Kim was quoted as saying. On the sidelines of the forum, Kim held bilateral meetings with Gen. Ronald Clark, commander of the U.S. Army Pacific, as well as the army chiefs of Australia, Japan, Mongolia and Singapore, to discuss regional security developments and efforts to expand military exchanges, the Army said. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Gyu-ha delivers a keynote speech during the Land Forces Pacific Symposium in Hawaii on May 13, 2026, in this photo provided by the South Korean Army. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) elly@yna.co.kr(END)