AI offers military edge, but risks remain, expert warns

Artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as a potent military deterrent, offering nations like Ukraine a significant edge against larger adversaries such as Russia, a Japanese defense expert stated Thursday. Chiaki Akimoto, a distinguished fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies in London, noted that while nuclear weapons were the primary deterrent in the 20th century, the capability of countries with advanced military AI is growing swiftly.

Akimoto, speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, highlighted Ukraine's ability to withstand Russia's military might despite having fewer troops, attributing this to its more sophisticated use of AI. This trend is particularly evident in the increasing deployment of AI-equipped drones in conflicts worldwide, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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While nuclear weapons were considered a deterrent in the 20th century, the deterrence capability of countries with advanced military AI is rapidly increasing.

However, the expert also cautioned about the inherent risks associated with relying on this technology. Concerns are mounting globally over the use of AI in warfare, especially regarding the potential for AI-equipped drones to misidentify targets. Akimoto pointed out the ambiguity surrounding accountability when AI makes misjudgments, which could hinder efforts to aid victims and encourage the irresponsible spread of AI-armed weaponry.

"The major challenge we are currently facing is how humans can work in collaboration with AI and robots to secure global security," Akimoto added, underscoring the complex ethical and operational questions that arise with the integration of AI into military strategies.

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The major challenge we are currently facing is how humans can work in collaboration with AI and robots to secure global security.