Artificial Intelligence and National Security

By Kelley M. Sayler

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field of technology with potentially significantimplications for national security. As such, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and othernations are developing AI applications for a range of military functions. AI research is underwayin the fields of intelligence collection and analysis, logistics, cyber operations, informationoperations, command and control, and in a variety of semiautonomous and autonomous vehicles.Already, AI has been incorporated into military operations in Iraq and Syria. Congressional actionhas the potential to shape the technology's development further, with budgetary and legislativedecisions influencing the growth of military applications as well as the pace of their adoption.AI technologies present unique challenges for military integration, particularly because the bulkof AI development is happening in the commercial sector. Although AI is not unique in thisregard, the defense acquisition process may need to be adapted for acquiring emergingtechnologies like AI. In addition, many commercial AI applications must undergo significantmodification prior to being functional for the military. A number of cultural issues also challengeAI acquisition, as some commercial AI companies are averse to partnering with DOD due toethical concerns, and even within the department, there can be resistance to incorporating AItechnology into existing weapons systems and processes.Potential international rivals in the AI market are creating pressure for the United States tocompete for innovative military AI applications. China is a leading competitor in this regard, releasing a plan in 2017 to capture the global lead in AI development by 2030. Currently, China isprimarily focused on using AI to make faster and more well-informed decisions, as well as ondeveloping a variety of autonomous military vehicles. Russia is also active in military AIdevelopment, with a primary focus on robotics.Although AI has the potential to impart a number of advantages in the military context, it mayalso introduce distinct challenges. AI technology could, for example, facilitate autonomousoperations, lead to more informed military decisionmaking, and increase the speed and scale ofmilitary action. However, it may also be unpredictable or vulnerable to unique forms ofmanipulation. As a result of these factors, analysts hold a broad range of opinions on howinfluential AI will be in future combat operations

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B08HGRZNV9
• ISBN13: 9798683254124
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 46 Pages
• Weight: 0.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"