Military artificial intelligence programs are dramatically augmenting human capabilities—and raising difficult questions about the ethics of delegating the business of killing to machines.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the way that the modern military conducts operations. From intelligence collection to cybersecurity upgrades, AI has generally enhanced the military’s capability for decision-making, operational efficiency, and combat effectiveness. Yet the advanced use of AI in military platforms raises a variety of ethical and moral questions, setting up the most important topic in 21st century discourse.

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)

Drones and satellites, operating with powerful onboard AI systems, can autonomously gather, process, and analyze vast amounts of imagery and sensory data. Instead of relying on analysts or technicians to sort and make sense of such vast amounts of data, AI can then help detect patterns in the data, potentially identifying hidden threats, or enemy movements, in real time.

AI-enabled tools like facial recognition and object detection also enhance battlefield awareness.

Of course, the use of AI in ISR collection raises important questions about ethics and the prospective rise of a security state.

Autonomous Vehicles and Weapons Systems

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGVs) are already able to navigate, identify targets, and engage enemies with minimal human inputs. With the advent of AI, their capacity to do so has been dramatically strengthened. Of course, the ethical implications of having weapons systems, capable of identifying and engaging with targets—with minimal human input—is an ongoing point of concern. The development of the Lethal Autonomous Weapons System (LAWS), which can select and attack targets without human intervention, is especially concerning.

Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare

AI can assist in several facets of cybersecurity, including threat detection, anomaly monitoring, and automated response to cyberattacks. But AI application in the cyber world is not just defensive in nature; offensive cyber operations, for penetration testing and simulating attacks, are also built around AI systems. 

Decision Support and Command Systems

Military leaders have increasingly begun to rely on AI for real-time battlefield data analysis, predictive analytics, and simulations. Systems like “Project Maven,” a Pentagon AI project initiated in 2017, can collect and analyze drone footage while also supporting human analysts make interpretations. AI also enhances wargaming and training simulations for assistance in planning operations.

This is all somewhat reminiscent of the function of “WOPR” (War Operation Plan Response) from the film WarGames, which Matthew Broderick’s character had to convince not to launch a nuclear holocaust. It remains to be seen if the Pentagon can devise better safeguards for the AIs of the future.

Electronic Warfare and Signal Processing

AI has been especially helpful in assisting with the operation of electronic warfare and signal processing. Sophisticated AI can identify and classify enemy communications and radar signatures without substantial human guidance. Furthermore, AI can enhance capacities for jamming, signal interception, and electronic deception strategies. 

Robotics and Human Augmentation

In the very near future, expect AI-driven robotic exoskeletons to become more relevant, further blurring the line between human and machine. Already, robotic field medics and search-and-rescue drones are being used to operate in dangerous environments. Giving humans the exoskeleton tools to operate similarly in dangerous environments is a logical next step.

And in truth, the full application of AI in military technologies is probably poorly understood to the general public. DARPA and black projects are likely exploring the full potential of AI-military-application behind closed doors.  

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

Image: Shutterstock / DC Studio.

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