The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Economy and Finance have designated six products as the first defense innovation items, including mobile drone stations and flame-resistant combat uniforms. This initiative aims to support the rapid adoption of civilian technologies that meet military needs and assist innovative companies in entering the public procurement market.
On November 12, the two ministries announced the designation of these six defense innovation products through the Public Demand Discovery Committee, led by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The defense innovation product designation system was established in December last year to quickly introduce and expand the use of civilian innovative technologies and products needed by the military. Previously, the military purchased and utilized innovation products designated by other ministries, but this time, it has independently identified and designated products that reflect the unique demands and requirements of the defense sector.
The designated products have been recognized for their excellence through four programs: defense research and development, military-civilian technology cooperation projects, the excellent commercial product pilot program, and the introduction of new technologies in defense informatization.
Out of 171 applications, the Ministry of National Defense reviewed potential military demand and selected 16 projects for further consideration. After evaluating nine applications based on public interest, innovation, and procurement suitability, six products were ultimately designated.
The designated products include equipment for washing, disinfecting, and drying gas masks, mobile drone stations, and 'No Melt No Drip' combat uniforms. These items can be utilized in various areas, including military equipment management, operational execution, and soldier safety and clothing.
Once designated as innovation products, these items can be procured through direct contracts for a minimum of three years. This allows the military to quickly introduce products that meet its needs while providing companies with opportunities to secure initial market access through public procurement.
The two ministries plan to expand the scope of designated products and improve evaluation criteria and operational procedures starting next year. They aim to increase the discovery of civilian technologies and products that align with military demands by incorporating feedback from this year's initial implementation.
The Director of the Logistics Management Bureau at the Ministry of National Defense stated that this designation establishes a foundation for utilizing excellent civilian innovative technologies and products to meet various military needs. He expressed hope that the introduction of civilian technologies into the military would create a virtuous cycle leading to enhanced advanced defense capabilities and continuous technological development by innovative companies.
The Procurement Contract Policy Officer at the Ministry of Economy and Finance noted, “We will work closely with the Ministry of National Defense to activate innovative procurement in the defense sector while also collaborating with new institutions such as the Aerospace Administration and local governments to broaden the path for innovative products to actively enter the public market.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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