Technology companies integrating AI-enhanced back-end military functions with defence companies’ missiles will be the first step in a new partnership between the two sectors. Neil Thompson reports.
Western efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into military operations and technology development such as drone and missile targeting are now advancing from nascent stages. Projects like the US military’s Project Maven, initiated in 2017 and set to report this year, are beginning to yield results.
While AI advancements for missile targeting are still projected to be several years away, innovations applying AI to enhance existing missile technologies are underway, as noted by Courtney Manning, director of AI Imperative 2030 at the American Security Project. She emphasized that collaboration between technology firms and defence contractors will be essential for these upgrades.
These developments are expected to accelerate as Western militaries respond to increased geopolitical tensions stemming from adversaries like Russia and China.
“With the recent downsizing of the federal workforce, I now expect US tech firms to have a significant influence on AI integration in weapons systems,” Manning stated, despite concerns regarding the US’s potential lag in patent filings.
Tech Firms’ Growing Role in Missile Defence
The immediate effects of AI on military functions are expected to be more pronounced in improving back-office operations, such as document analysis, finance management, and intelligence pattern recognition. Manning highlighted developments in AI image recognition from satellite data to enhance decision-making processes in missile defence and first-strike scenarios.
Major US companies, including Microsoft and Google, are at the forefront of AI innovations, often in collaboration with the Department of Defense. For example, Anduril, a defence firm, announced its partnership with OpenAI for missile and drone technologies designed to process extensive satellite data effectively.
“Our partnership with OpenAI aims to fill urgent air defense capability gaps,” shared Brian Schimpf, Anduril’s CEO.
AI and Strategic Considerations in Missile Systems
The cautious approach of the US regarding AI integration into offensive systems is highlighted by experts like Dr. Iain Boyd. Instead, reliance on a conventional arsenal remains central to nuclear deterrence strategies.
“A reliable first-strike capability with thermonuclear weapons is unlikely to eliminate an opponent’s nuclear arsenal entirely,” remarked Dr. Tom Stefanick from the Brookings Institution.
AI advancements in missile targeting are still four years away, with current capabilities likely remaining unchanged in offensive scenarios. The primary impact of AI may emerge in orchestrating diverse weapon systems to overcome adversaries’ defenses.
Concerns regarding Russia and China’s nuclear weapon advancements, combined with their disregard for safety protocols, create additional geopolitical uncertainties in AI and missile development.
Interlinked Missile Barrages: A Case Study
European consortium MBDA has developed the ORCHESTRIKE, which enables AI-driven coordination among missiles. The system enhances collaboration during engagements while ensuring human operability stays intact.
The ORCHESTRIKE system was initially demonstrated at the Paris Air Show 2023, exhibiting advanced collaborative capabilities that allow missiles to dynamically respond to threats.
In conclusion, while immediate gains from AI in military scenarios focus on strategic management rather than autonomous weapon systems, the future holds promise as technologies evolve. How effectively militaries adapt will determine the outcome of future conflicts.
