The South Korean Army on Monday unveiled the first live training exercise of its AI-based manned-unmanned teaming Korean Combat Engineering Vehicle (K-CEV) at the Yangpyeong Combined Training Center.
The K-CEV is an armored vehicle platform capable of integrating unmanned mission equipment including drones, ground robots, and a Remote-Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). The vehicle can also be operated remotely, minimizing troop exposure and casualties in high-risk areas.
The vehicle's enhanced armor protection significantly increases crew survival rates against mines and enemy attacks. The AI-equipped RCWS can detect enemy ambushes in advance and execute preemptive responses.
The 11th Maneuver Division's Cheolma Unit participated in the exercise, conducting combined arms training with live maneuvers and live fire. The unit operated reconnaissance teams using unmanned systems centered on the K-CEV to clear obstacles and execute offensive operations.
Short-range reconnaissance drones first surveyed the target area, identifying enemy obstacles and threats. Supporting fire then neutralized confirmed enemy positions. Drones were redeployed to assess battle damage and verify remaining threats.
When approaching obstacle zones, unmanned reconnaissance assets led by the K-CEV secured the advance. Reconnaissance drones mounted atop the K-CEV surveyed obstacle areas and adjacent terrain while 360-degree situational awareness sensors detected surrounding threats.
The RCWS automatically identified threat targets near obstacle zones. The K-CEV's mounted K4 automatic grenade launcher and K6 heavy machine gun immediately engaged. An explosive ordnance disposal robot deployed from the K-CEV checked for enemy mines.
The K600 obstacle-breaching tank then cleared a passage while unmanned reconnaissance vehicles conducted detailed searches ahead. RCWS remote strikes and micro kamikaze drones eliminated concealed targets. Once the corridor was secured, an assault platoon advanced to press the attack.
"We will continue to conduct training and combat experiments in various environments to identify improvements and build elite combat capabilities based on manned-unmanned teaming combat systems," said Lt. Col. Bae Young-hwan, commander of the Cheolma Battalion.