Will artificial intelligence replace soldiers in modern warfare?

Faced with the global trend of defense modernization, countries are striving to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into traditional weapons in order to gain an advantage on the battlefield.

The U.S. Reaper drones possess long-range radar and can provide maritime command with navigation information from long distances. (Source: U.S. Air Force)

Leading military strategists believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionize modern warfare. Technologists can integrate it into traditional weapons, such as ships and fighter jets, to increase firepower and change combat methods.

Therefore, many economically powerful countries are willing to invest in research and development to produce products that offer optimal combat capabilities and give their militaries a significant advantage on the battlefield.

So what are the advantages of integrating military technology into traditional weapons, and how are countries around the world competing with each other?

Advantages of AI-powered weapons

First, thanks to its rapid data processing speed, AI can collect and send information from satellites and radar to military commanders, thereby helping them understand battlefield developments and make better decisions. For example, with its image monitoring and analysis capabilities, AI can help drones accurately target important enemy targets, such as high-ranking commanders or key military bases.

In addition, traditional weapons integrated with technology, especially AI-powered drones, have three other major advantages. First, AI will replace human control, so autonomous aircraft on the battlefield will minimize soldier casualties.

Secondly, they can perform maneuvers that the human body cannot withstand, such as the increase in air pressure as the aircraft gains altitude, which can cause the pilot to lose consciousness. Therefore, drones do not need to be equipped with oxygen supply devices.

Thirdly, while manned fighter jets cost tens of millions of dollars, autonomous fighter jets only cost a few million dollars. With such a cost-effective solution, the military will save a significant amount of money.

AI in modern warfare

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is practical evidence of the impact of military technology on battlefield dynamics. According to a May report by the Special Competitiveness Research Project, both Kyiv and Moscow's forces are integrating conventional weapons with AI, satellite imagery, and smart munitions. Thanks to this technological application, both sides have significantly improved the lethality of their artillery and missiles.

Furthermore, the transfer of tasks between humans and robots is taking place on the battlefield. Given the vulnerability of manned reconnaissance helicopters to attack, commanders in both countries are gradually handing over that role to autonomous aircraft.

Speaking at the Military Technology Conference in Washington on August 28, US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks noted that the fighting in Ukraine demonstrates that the technology products of commercial companies can play a decisive role in modern warfare.

US-China military technology confrontation

The FH-97A is a remarkable achievement of China's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. With its AI-powered control capabilities, these next-generation UAVs will significantly enhance national defense capabilities. (Source: Reuters)

Recognizing the advantages of technology in military strategy, the US and China are racing to maximize their AI-powered combat capabilities and balance power with each other.

Since 2010, Beijing has significantly increased its spending on military technology research, including AI and machine learning. According to the Chinese industrial and technology research firm Datena, Beijing spent approximately $3.1 million and $8.5 million on AI and machine learning research in 2011, respectively. By 2019, China had further invested $86 million in AI and around $55 million in machine learning.

At the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2022, Beijing unveiled the FH-97A autonomous aircraft, which functions like a jet fighter, operating in parallel with manned fighter jets to provide intelligence and supplementary firepower for the military.

The White House has reacted to the rapid development of Chinese military technology. On August 28, US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks stated that Washington would deploy thousands of autonomous systems over the next two years to offset China's numerical advantage in weapons and personnel.

Earlier, speaking at a conference in Colorado in March, US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said Washington was planning to build a fleet of 1,000 unmanned combat aircraft. In August, the Joe Biden administration signed an executive order banning certain new US investments in China in sensitive military-related technology sectors.

Thus, traditional weapons integrated with modern technology offer combat forces many advantages, including data processing capabilities, image analysis, reduced casualties and soldier protection, as well as cost savings.

Therefore, many countries around the world are actively modernizing their military equipment to enhance firepower and balance the power with their adversaries.

The confrontation between Moscow and Kyiv soldiers on the Ukrainian battlefield is a prime example, in which both sides use AI and smart munitions to neutralize each other.

Not lagging behind, the US and China are also striving to integrate technology into their defense systems, particularly by applying AI to autonomous systems and drones. Concerned about China's increasing spending on military technology development, the US is planning to build a large fleet of autonomous aircraft to meet current competitive demands.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tri-tue-nhan-ta-o-thay-the-binh-si-trong-chie-n-tranh-hie-n-da-i-245710.html