PM calls for drone, AI, cyber attacks in Ulchi exercise scenarios

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook has called for drone, AI, and cyber attack scenarios to be included in this year's Ulchi civil defense exercise, reflecting the rapidly changing security environment. The four-day nationwide exercise, commencing on August 18, will engage approximately 580,000 officials from around 4,000 government agencies and institutions, aiming to enhance readiness for war and emergencies.

A nationwide air raid evacuation drill is scheduled for August 20. During a preparatory meeting, Han emphasized that modern warfare has expanded beyond traditional military conflicts, posing direct threats to citizens' daily lives. She highlighted the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East as examples of this shift.

Han urged participating agencies to incorporate AI, drone, and cyber attack scenarios into the exercise to make it more realistic and practical, stressing that the government must be prepared to maintain daily life and ensure state functions continue under the current security landscape.