The 2026 REAIM High-Level Summit was convened to strengthen international understanding and cooperation on the responsible development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence in the military domain. Jointly hosted by South Korea, Spain, and the Netherlands, the summit took place from February 4 to 5, 2026, in A Coruña, Spain. The REAIM (REsponsible AI in the Military domain) process is a Track 1.5 international forum aimed at shaping global norms for military AI. The summit brought together government representatives from 85 countries, as well as experts from industry, academia, and civil society. Its primary goal was to translate previously agreed principles into concrete actions.
The summit impacts a broad range of stakeholders, including national governments, defense sectors, technology industries, and international organizations. South Korea, as a co-host, played a significant role in expanding the outcomes of previous REAIM meetings and facilitating regional consultations. The event also involved experts and practitioners who contribute to shaping policy and regulatory frameworks for military AI. The adoption of the ‘Pathways to Action’ outcome document reflects a collective commitment to responsible AI use. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that AI technologies in defense are governed by clear, ethical standards.
The REAIM High-Level Summit series began with the first meeting in The Hague, Netherlands, in February 2023, followed by the second in Seoul in September 2024. The 2026 summit built on these foundations, with preparatory regional consultations held throughout 2025 in Asia-Pacific, Europe-North America, West Asia-Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. South Korea has also led international discussions at the United Nations, including the first UN Security Council open debate on AI in September 2023 and the adoption of a military AI resolution at the UN General Assembly in November 2023. These efforts demonstrate ongoing leadership and commitment to advancing responsible AI governance.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the REAIM process? It is an international forum for promoting responsible military AI use and shaping global norms. Who participated in the 2026 summit? Delegations from 85 countries, industry, academia, and civil society attended. What are the main outcomes? The summit adopted ‘Pathways to Action,’ focusing on concrete steps for responsible AI in defense. How is South Korea involved? South Korea co-hosted the summit, led regional consultations, and actively contributes to international AI policy discussions.
The 2026 REAIM High-Level Summit represents a pivotal moment in the international governance of military AI. The adoption of the ‘Pathways to Action’ outcome and the expansion of regional consultations show a shift from principle-setting to actionable cooperation. South Korea’s active role, both as a summit co-host and a leader in UN discussions, underscores its commitment to responsible AI use in defense. These developments are expected to set important precedents for future international policy and regulatory frameworks.