AI on the Battlefield: How AI Technology Affects Warfare and Military

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Introduction
The Debate Over AI Assisting in Combat
Current Applications of AI in the Military
Where Does Human Control Fit In?
Global Efforts to Regulate Military AI
Closing Thoughts on AI Technology on Warfare and Military

AI on the Battlefield: How AI Technology Affects Warfare and Military

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cdteliot

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Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming modern warfare, with militaries worldwide embracing AI to enhance decision-making, improve target recognition, and develop autonomous weapons systems. As reported by Foreign Policy, this technology could potentially make war less lethal by expanding the use of AI-directed drones, but it also raises critical ethical and strategic concerns about human control over lethal force on the battlefield.

The Debate Over AI Assisting in Combat

armyupress.army.mil

Combining AI with weaponry spells destruction. Yet, it may also hasten the conclusion of a war. These two clashing concepts split public opinion. Nobody wants war, but if enemy soldiers are approaching a country's border, its government has no choice but to fight back. During such an unfortunate time, they'd have to resort to the strongest artillery to emerge victorious

. That's why governments are eager to sponsor the development of AI for the military. Artificial intelligence can make everything faster and arguably better. This technology can enhance weapons and military systems, fortifying a country's defenses and increasing the chances of triumph

. However, there are people who wouldn't want to take their chances. When it comes to AI, there are doubts about its reliability and impact. Autonomous weapons can target enemy territory more precisely but they can also cause more property damage, civilian casualties, and dehumanization due to algorithmic biases, potential miscalculations, or technical malfunctions

7 sources

Current Applications of AI in the Military

Autonomous Weapons System: These systems can execute their function with minimal human input. For now, they're mainly used for surveillance and detection such as facilities that can determine incoming missiles or drones that can spy on enemy territory

. However, they're also developed for actual warfare like drones for targeted strikes and tanks that can navigate and fire ammo by themselves

. Intelligence and Decision Support: AI can gather and analyze data for predictive equipment maintenance, tactical recommendations, threat identification, and resource allocation

. Cybersecurity: Autonomous cyber defense programs can recognize attacks and retaliate to them in real time. They can defend the military's digital database and jam enemy communications

. Military Training: AI enables virtual reality and augmented reality to simulate actual combat and strategy applications on the battlefield

. Human-Machine Collaboration: Weapons incorporated with AI can have more accurate targeting systems to assist soldiers on the field. AI can also give better insights to pilots who are flying advanced fighter jets. For logistics, AI-powered robot "mules" can carry and deliver supplies to infantry units

3 sources

Where Does Human Control Fit In?

forbes.com

AI weaponry and military systems can be useful in protecting a nation's interests and will require less intervention from humans. However, if they're meant to be autonomous, do humans even have control left or does AI handle everything including decision-making? With our current technology, humans are still much needed to take the lead, even with the appearance of AI.

Artificial intelligence is supposed to assist and lighten the workload of soldiers and military tacticians. It still can't stand on its own, so a human's critical thinking should be used in its applications, especially for something like war where many lives are at stake. Humans must have the ultimate authority to ensure accountability and compliance with international humanitarian law.

3 sources

Global Efforts to Regulate Military AI

defensescoop.com

With AI getting more and more intertwined into warfare, governments all over the world have come together to set limitations and regulations in place so this technology won't catalyze massive, widespread destruction.

Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy - This was established by the United States in 2023 and has been adopted by over 51 countries, including all member states of the European Union (EU) in 2024.
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Its purpose is to form a consensus on responsible AI use and development in the military.
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The Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) - This is a meeting among nations and academics to discuss military AI governance. It was first held in Netherlands in 2023 and has brought about the "Call to Action" endorsed by 57 states.
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2026 United Nations Treaty - This agreement is still not enforced yet and will still be reviewed in 2026, but it is the United Nations' demand to ban lethal autonomous weapons systems that operate without human control

These may still be a few, considering the possible drastic consequences of AI in warfare, but we're expected to see more conventions and pacts in the near future as governments continue to incorporate AI into their military efforts.

4 sources

Closing Thoughts on AI Technology on Warfare and Military

War is the most dangerous situation to be in. It's no surprise that nations are grabbing the best military innovations they can to add to their armament. They need to secure their land and their people so they will resort to all means necessary to secure victory. Today, AI is the new shiny weapon they have their eyes on.

Artificial intelligence can indeed improve weapons and hone military systems and personnel. However, it also brings in a lot of risk, especially when there are governments that will abuse the technology for their own gain.

There may be several agreements between countries on AI use in warfare, but since the rise of AI is fairly new, these regulations are still lacking.

With the ongoing wars being raged in some areas of the world, more covenants should be made to ensure the proper development of AI military systems and to keep governments in check.