South Korean President Yoon Sok-yol called on his country’s defense ministry to develop a robust and effective missile defense system to respond to North Korean threats.

“Yoon also ordered Secretary of Defense Lee Jong Seob to normalize field exercises with the United States,” Presidential spokesman Kang In Sung said in a brief policy statement released by the Defense Department.

Yoon specifically asked for the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, the new name for a military exercise between the two allies that was suspended in 2017, to continue unhindered.

The Korean President also asked the ministry to “work on technology-based defense reforms by integrating artificial intelligence and strengthening digital cybersecurity training in military academies.” He urged the Ministry of Defense to “successfully deliver on its campaign promise by promising promising recruits 2 million won in monthly wages.”

Since the beginning of this year, North Korea has conducted 18 missile tests, including ICBMs on May 25 and eight short-range ballistic missiles on June 5.