The US government has long supported the development of technologies for military purposes, and it believes that artificial intelligence will be essential to the development of new battle equipment.
Military officials are concerned about keeping up with and ahead of China and Russia, two nations that have made significant strides in developing artificial-intelligence devices, according to current investments and Pentagon initiatives.
Targeted recognition systems, weaponry guided by AI, and attack and cyberdefense application that runs without the need for human intervention are just a few examples of AI-powered weapons.
The US defence society is coming to understand that AI will drastically change, if not totally reinvent, the world’s military power balance. The problem is more than defense.
As Chinese and Russian systems become more advanced, they threaten US domination of scientific innovation and development, as well as international financial power and influence.
Military leaders recognize that the threat to US scientific leadership is coming from two main options: a developing and ambitious China and a playful and declining Russia. Taken together, these troops challenge global security.
The nature of the threat
A 2018 Pentagon statement noted that modern innovations could change the types of challenges facing the US, which might include space-based arms, long-range nuclear weapons and cyberweapons.
A February 2019 study warned that China’s opportunities in its government’s AI systems – in particular, those supporting robotics, control, detail munitions and digital warfare – threaten to overwhelm the US. Chinese government organizations are carefully collaborating with the country’s private companies to stay current with cutting-edge technology developments.
Additionally, some Chinese and Russian projects have created military AI systems designed to address what they believe are US scientific flaws. For example, swarms of military AI-enhanced drones could search for and attack the protected computer systems that nations rely on to manage and establish their nuclear weapons.
So far the Pentagon’s activities have been mostly governmental, rather than practical. A Defense Department-wide strategy document that outlines large tenets for the creation and use of AI in upcoming conflicts has been released. A Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, which is tasked with accelerating the supply and implementation of AI, has been established by the defense.
But projects with names like” the Third Offset“,” Project Maven” and the” AI Next Campaign” have minimal funding. Some details about what they will actually do have been released by leaders.
Working with Silicon Valley
To arrange with Silicon Valley and implement new technologies in the military, the Pentagon has established the Defense Innovation Unit, with authorization to waive the labor-intensive military procurement process.
Conversations about the potential for the Chinese government to obtain and use US-designed technologies have been sparked by that device, which led to US restrictions on conducting business with numerous Chinese technology companies.
In terms of AI growth and use, many experts believe China may be able to beat the US. Nevertheless, China trails the US in various ways. The US has the nation’s largest knowledge funds, the most popular technology, software and technology companies, and the most sophisticated cyberattacks skills, both offensive and defensive.
For the moment, at least, but perhaps not long, according to me and other professionals, these benefits should help us maintain our technological leadership.
James Johnson is a teacher at Middlebury
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