Technical Operations Engineer - Intelligence Systems

Aerospace industry calls for faster shift to software-defined defense. By Lee Gyu-lee * Published Oct 19, 2026 9:01 pm KST * Updated Oct 19, 2026 9:39 pm KST Executives highlight autonomous systems, startup collaboration at Jinju forum. JINJU, South Gyeongsang Province - Korea's aerospace and defense industry must move faster to develop software-driven technologies and strengthen ties between major manufacturers and smaller suppliers to compete in a market increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems, industry executives said Monday. During the third session of this year's Jinju International Forum on Entrepreneurship, representatives from Anduril Korea, AeroVironment, Korean Air, LIG Defense & Aerospace and ANH Structure discussed strategies for turning emerging technologies into business opportunities and strengthening regional industrial ecosystems. The session was moderated by Patrick Donahoe, chief operating officer of Columbus State University. John Kim, head of Anduril Korea, said traditional defense procurement models were too slow to keep pace with modern warfare, calling for a shift toward software-defined defense and autonomous systems. Citing Anduril's Lattice - an open, sensor-agnostic, dual-use AI and software integration platform - and its autonomous air vehicle Roadrunner, he urged aerospace companies to pair their manufacturing strengths with advanced software capabilities. "Korea possesses what much of the world has lost: disciplined manufacturing, efficient supply chains and an unmatched ability to deliver heavy hardware on time and on budget," Kim said. "But the next frontier of the defense world cannot rely solely on bent metal and legacy airframes. The future market belongs to an autonomous mass (mass deployment of autonomous systems) - thousands of smart, low-cost, expendable and attritable systems." He urged local companies to take calculated risks, build prototypes and partner with software developers rather than wait for government-led programs. Hong Yo-sep, Korea representative of AeroVironment, which develops unmanned aerial vehicles and counter-drone systems, stressed the importance of trust and cooperation in overcoming unexpected disruptions during military operations. Drawing on his experience in military exercises and naval missions, he said operational setbacks and interpersonal conflicts were inevitable, making mutual consideration essential to completing missions. Korean Air's Head of Overseas Business Development Kim Ha-neul identified physical AI, scalable mass production and software-defined defense as key trends reshaping the industry. He also cited AI-powered inspection drones as an example of how aerospace technologies can improve commercial efficiency. "The traditional government-led projects require a long development cycle, so we have to adopt a two-track strategy. While we faithfully execute the government contract, we are also partnering innovative startups," he said. "This dual approach allows us to dramatically short change the development timing, rapidly secure critical technology and stay ahead of the curve." LIG Defense & Aerospace President Shin Ik-hyun emphasized the need to clean and reorganize existing data before applying AI, saying reliable data foundations were essential to making the technology useful. He also called for evidence-based corporate decisions informed by expert advice, highlighting the company's business portfolio spanning underwater, surface, land, air and space systems. Ahn Hyon-su, CEO of the Jinju-based aerospace firm ANH Structure, emphasized the importance of closer collaboration between large companies and smaller suppliers, saying partnerships should begin early in development and involve shared risks and opportunities for growth. The session concluded with a discussion on the most important steps companies, universities and regional governments should take over the next 12 months. Panelists called for clearer divisions of responsibility, faster adaptation to technological change and more agile decision-making. John Kim urged companies to take calculated risks and demonstrate prototypes within six months rather than wait for government programs to address security challenges. Hong stressed that companies and institutions needed to streamline their decision-making processes to respond more quickly to operational demands. The forum's first day wrapped with ANH Structure signing a long-term supplier agreement with Britain's Vertical Aerospace to design, develop, certify and manufacture pilot and passenger seats for its Valo electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The company will supply a common seating platform incorporating its proprietary 30G energy-absorption technology for crash protection. * Q. * Q. * Q.

Anduril Industries is offering current and former employees a chance to sell shares in a deal that could value the defence technology company at about $90 billion, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the plans. Anduril declined to comment. The tender offer prices shares at $94.80, with total purchases capped at about $1.3 billion. It runs from October 13 to November 9. The valuation is roughly 48% above the $61 billion set in May, when Anduril raised $5 billion in a round led by Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey and others, the company makes unmanned aircraft, autonomous systems, and surveillance equipment. It generated $2.2 billion in revenue in 2025. The offer extends to employees in 16 countries, up from three in earlier sales.

Maryland's $6.6 Billion political showdown: Berney Flowers challenges state leadership on CrossCheck Media's Campaign Trail. Oct 14, 2026, 06:05 ET As the 2026 midterms approach, CrossCheck Media brings national attention to Maryland's battles over jobs, infrastructure, immigration and congressional accountability. WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - A $6.6 billion defense manufacturing initiative promises to transform the Baltimore region. But will Maryland's political divisions and infrastructure challenges prevent residents from fully benefiting? That question takes center stage in the latest episode of Campaign Trail: The Road to Congress, a political interview program produced by CrossCheck Media Inc. and distributed through its Biz Talk Today TV network. Hosted by Todd M. Schoenberger, CEO of CrossCheck Media Inc., the episode features Berney Flowers, the Republican congressional candidate seeking to represent Maryland's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. With Election Day approaching on November 3, Flowers delivers pointed criticism of Maryland's political leadership while outlining his positions on economic development, immigration enforcement, energy infrastructure and congressional representation. A $6.6 Billion Investment Raises Questions About Maryland's Future The conversation follows the October 6 announcement of Anduril Industries' Arsenal-2 manufacturing facility at Sparrows Point, a project involving $3.7 billion in private investment and a $2.9 billion U.S. Navy commitment. Maryland officials estimate the development could create more than 3,100 permanent jobs and support more than 14,000 jobs overall, directly and indirectly. Flowers welcomes the potential economic benefits but argues that the delayed reconstruction of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge could create transportation obstacles for workers throughout the region. "That's going to be a huge generational boom for this entire area," Flowers says during the interview. He also criticizes Democratic Governor Wes Moore's handling of Maryland's economic priorities and calls for stronger cooperation between state officials and the federal government. The exchange highlights a broader political debate over who should receive credit for major economic investments and how governments can ensure those investments translate into opportunities for local residents. Immigration, Artificial Intelligence and the Cost of Electricity Beyond the manufacturing announcement, the episode examines the proposed immigration detention facility in Elkridge, Maryland, and the growing controversy surrounding federal immigration enforcement. Flowers discusses his views on the proposed facility and questions the political opposition to its location. The conversation then turns to one of the most significant economic challenges facing American communities: the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and its demand for electricity. Flowers argues that technology companies developing large data centers should shoulder their own energy costs rather than passing those expenses along to local households. "We have to make sure that the data centers provide their own power," Flowers says. He also discusses modular nuclear power, water consumption and the need to balance technological investment with the financial interests of Maryland residents. The Battle for Maryland's 3rd Congressional District Flowers is challenging Democratic incumbent Representative Sarah Elfreth in the November general election. During the interview, he questions Elfreth's record, discusses his experience in military and federal government service, and describes his approach to meeting constituents directly. Flowers also speaks about recent campaign events, endorsements and his expectations for the closing weeks of the race. The interview gives viewers an opportunity to hear the candidate's positions in his own words, including his criticisms of political opponents and his proposed approach to federal representation. CrossCheck Media Brings Political Conversations to a National Audience For CrossCheck Media, Campaign Trail: The Road to Congress represents a growing commitment to political programming that connects local elections with issues of national importance. "What happens in Washington affects every American, from household budgets to jobs and economic opportunity," said Todd M. Schoenberger, CEO of CrossCheck Media Inc. "Through Campaign Trail, we're bringing congressional candidates directly to viewers and examining the issues that matter most to their communities." Through Biz Talk Today TV, CrossCheck Media produces and distributes programming covering business, financial markets, economic policy, government and public affairs. Its political coverage includes interviews with congressional candidates, former elected officials and other public figures whose perspectives help audiences understand decisions being made in Washington and communities across America. Rather than treating congressional elections solely as contests between political parties, Campaign Trail examines the economic and policy questions shaping those races. From the cost of electricity and the future of American manufacturing to immigration enforcement and government accountability, the program explores issues with consequences beyond individual congressional districts. The Flowers interview illustrates that approach, connecting Maryland's local concerns with broader debates over national defense, infrastructure investment and the direction of federal policy. Watch Campaign Trail: The Road to Congress The latest episode featuring Berney Flowers is available through CrossCheck Media's Biz Talk Today TV programming. About CrossCheck Media Inc. CrossCheck Media Inc. is a multimedia company producing and distributing programming across streaming television, audio and digital publishing platforms. Through its Biz Talk Today TV network, the company delivers original programming focused on business, financial markets, economics, politics, sports and public affairs. CrossCheck Media's distribution includes major connected television platforms, digital streaming services and global audio outlets, providing audiences with access to interviews, expert commentary and original reporting. Its programming portfolio includes Campaign Trail: The Road to Congress, The Money Path, Financial Compass, Power Hour, Keith's Corner, Wayve Wire and other original productions. SOURCE CrossCheck Media Inc.