Explored AI applications for maritime and defense operations, with a focused Q&A with 1^st Fleet officers

Showcased how defense-level security and accuracy echo manufacturing challenges, highlighting MakinaRocks’ scalable AI expertise

SEOUL, July 14, 2025 – MakinaRocks, a leading AI company, delivered a keynote lecture on July 10 at the invitation of the Republic of Korea Navy's 1^st Fleet Command (Rear Admiral Kwangsub Kwak). The ‘First Insight Special Lecture’ drew roughly 100 defense officials, including Commander Kwak and Brigadier General Yun-sang Ryu, Head of the 1^st Maritime Combat Group.

The lecture, titled “Specialized AI: Redefining Future Industries,” was presented by MakinaRocks CEO Andre S. Yoon. He outlined the latest technological trends, including AI agents, and highlighted how the shortcomings of general-purpose AI become most acute in specialized environments such as manufacturing and defense, where data security is paramount and access to information is limited. Drawing on real-world deployments in automotive, semiconductor, and plant manufacturing, Yoon shared how MakinaRocks’ industrial AI experience could be adapted for the defense sector.

“Introducing AI into defense involves significant challenges, from data security and closed-network environments to data scarcity and acquisition procedures averaging 14.1 years,” Yoon said. “These hurdles mirror many of those MakinaRocks faced when pioneering manufacturing AI. As in industry, defense requires extremely high accuracy with zero tolerance for error, as well as the integration of domain knowledge that cannot be disclosed externally, making AI implementation uniquely complex.” He concluded: “Leveraging the technical expertise and practical experience we have built in highly specialized industrial settings, we are well positioned to extend our AI platforms and technologies into defense environments.”

Following the presentation, a lively Q&A session was held with working-level personnel from the 1^st Fleet Command. Military experts in data, communications, and other fields discussed practical challenges and operational feasibility for AI integration in military contexts.

Commander Hyeon-yeong Jegal, who heads the Command and Communications Battalion, said: “This lecture offered an important opportunity to explore how AI technology can be applied within our forces. We will spare no effort in building an AI foundation to ensure our military leads on the future battlefield.”

MakinaRocks is the only company among the 62 participants in the government’s “Defense Innovation Company 100” program that owns and operates its own AI platform. Often described as “Korea’s Palantir,” MakinaRocks supplies its proprietary AI platform Runway to industries that demand closed networks and top-tier security, including defense, public sectors, semiconductor, automotive manufacturing, and finance. Runway manages the entire AI lifecycle—from data integration and multi-model management to deployment and operations—and incorporates advanced capabilities such as large language model operations (LLMOps) and machine learning security operations (MLSecOps) to ensure stability and scalability. Since its launch two and a half years ago, Runway has been adopted by leading organizations including Hyundai Motor Company, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, the Agency for Defense Development, K-water, Korea Insurance Development Institute, helping to drive AI-powered innovation across critical industries.