Artificial intelligence is not just image generators and self-writing texts. It is primarily machine learning and artificial neural networks. These are technologies that can also be used in the military.
The Pentagon has announced that it is investing in an army of autonomous drones powered by artificial intelligence. It is to be a true army of AI drones that will become a military gambit to provide security and reduce the threat from China.
Game-changing shift, or Washington’s plan to reduce risk from China
US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks confirmed a new Pentagon investment on Tuesday. Americans are building an army of drones and defense systems that will be powered by artificial intelligence. According to Hicks, this is a game-changing shift in terms of ensuring security and cooling the risk from China.
It is to be an army of thousands of autonomous drones that will be able to effectively defend the security of the United States and the entire Western world. This program is called Replicator and is to give the Pentagon the driving force to gain military advantage much faster.
The US military already has drones operating without a human operator. However, the Replicator program is expected to be a milestone in the implementation of artificial intelligence in the US military.
Autonomous drones – small, smart, cheap and in huge numbers
According to Hicks, AI-powered drones are small, smart, cheap, and can be produced in large numbers. These units will be able to independently perform assigned missions and tasks, and some of them will even be solar-powered. Such a drone army is also to be distinguished by a “level of judgment comparable to that of a human.” Hick says the U.S. government and the Pentagon will continue to set ethical standards for autonomous weapons and defense systems.
For many commentators, the combination of AI and weapons is something that should never be crossed. Hick also emphasizes that the Replicator system will be under full human control, so orders are to be carried out flawlessly. Is this the time when AI starts to be a real threat to humanity? Many people say yes, because the Pentagon has been “romancing” with AI for a long time.
