Artificial intelligence (AI) is dramatically altering the landscape of modern warfare, ushering in a new era characterized by unprecedented speed, precision, and complexity. At Eurosatory 2024, AI’s transformative potential was a focal point of discussions among military leaders, industry experts, and policymakers.
AI’s roots in military applications date back to World War II, with the creation of the Colossus computer, designed to crack Nazi codes. By the 1950s, computers were integral to organizing America’s air defences. Over the decades, AI’s role in warfare evolved from peripheral to pivotal, mirroring its rapid advancements in the civilian sector. Today, AI stands on the brink of transforming the very character of war. In these early stages of AI utilisation in warfare, major countries have gained an advantage: constructing battlefield digital systems is very expensive and requires vast amounts of data. If software can identify tens of thousands of targets, armies will require an equal number of weapons to strike them. Moreover, if the defender holds the advantage, attackers will need even more weapons to penetrate their defences.
Drivers of AI Integration
- War as a Catalyst: The conflict in Ukraine has expedited the deployment of AI technologies. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces are utilising inexpensive AI-guided drones, demonstrating AI’s expanding role beyond traditional superpowers.
- Technological Advancements: Recent breakthroughs in AI have enabled sophisticated capabilities such as advanced object recognition and higher-order problem-solving.
- Geopolitical Rivalries: The strategic competition between the United States and China is a significant driver, with both nations investing heavily in AI to achieve military superiority.
Transformative Impact of AI
AI’s impact on modern warfare is profound and multifaceted. Aerial and naval drones, enhanced by AI, are crucial for tasks such as target recognition and navigation, especially in environments where communication links may be disrupted. AI is revolutionizing military command and control systems by processing vast amounts of data in real time, enabling faster and more informed decision-making, which is critical in modern combat scenarios. Advanced AI-driven decision-support systems can rapidly assess complex battlefield situations, suggesting optimal strategies and responses.
At Eurosatory 2024, several groundbreaking AI technologies were highlighted. MBDA’s Ground Warden system uses AI to analyze battlefield surveillance data, assisting soldiers in identifying and targeting threats with high precision. This system integrates seamlessly with existing weapon systems and demonstrates AI’s potential to enhance situational awareness on the battlefield. Additionally, MBDA unveiled a new land-based cruise missile, leveraging AI for advanced navigation and targeting, enhancing its effectiveness in penetrating enemy defences.
- Intelligent Weapons Systems: AI is enhancing the capabilities of drones and other autonomous systems. These technologies are crucial for tasks such as target recognition and navigation, especially in environments where communication links may be disrupted. Information and electronic warfare.
- Command and Control: AI is revolutionizing military command and control systems by processing vast amounts of data in real time. This enables faster and more informed decision-making, which is critical in modern combat scenarios.
- Decision-Support Systems: AI-driven decision-support systems can rapidly assess complex battlefield situations, suggesting optimal strategies and responses, such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
- Simulation and Training
- Predictive Maintenance and Logistics
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Despite its potential, AI in warfare raises several ethical and operational challenges. Ensuring the reliability and fairness of AI systems is crucial. AI models must be rigorously tested and validated to avoid biases and ensure accurate decision-making. Maintaining human oversight is essential to prevent unintended consequences, with AI assisting rather than replacing human judgment in critical military decisions. Robust legal and ethical frameworks are necessary to govern the use of AI in military operations, ensuring compliance with international laws and the protection of civilian lives.
The Global Race for AI Superiority
The race to develop and integrate AI into military operations is intensifying globally. The United States leads in AI development, with a well-established ecosystem incorporating cloud technology and advanced AI research. In 2023, the US Department of Defence budget for AI was slightly over a billion dollars. In 2024 and 2024, it’s almost two billion. China is rapidly advancing, with significant investments in AI and a high volume of scientific publications. The country’s focus on standardization and mass deployment highlights its strategic intent. The European Union is also making strides, exemplified by the adoption of the EU AI Act, which aims to standardize AI development and use across member states.
Deeper Integration in the Future
The future of AI in warfare promises continued advancements and deeper integration across military operations. Key initiatives to fully harness AI’s potential include fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, accelerating development cycles, and prioritizing education and training on AI capabilities.
This article was written and illustrated with the assistance of AI.
Read More:
- Eurosatory2024: An international “race to AI” with the focus on innovation
- The Economist: AI will transform the character of warfare
- The Economist: How AI is changing warfare
- Royal United Services Institute: AI is transforming modern warfare and more experiments are needed to prepare for future
- Breaking Defence: French Army demos MBDA’s AI-powered anti-armor add-on, firm unveils new cruise missile
