Japanese defense experts said Thursday that artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool for military deterrence, giving countries such as Ukraine an advantage against larger adversaries such as Russia, while warning of the risks of relying on the technology.
“In the 20th century, nuclear weapons were thought of as a deterrent, but the deterrence of countries equipped with advanced military AI is rapidly increasing,” said Chiaki Akimoto, a distinguished fellow at the Royal Institute for Defense and Security Studies in London.
Speaking at a press conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, he said this trend is evident as Ukraine is able to hold its own against Russia despite having fewer troops thanks to more advanced use of AI.
As more and more AI-equipped drones are deployed in combat, concerns are growing around the world that they could be used in conflicts such as the war between Ukraine and Russia that began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighboring country in 2022.
Akimoto, a former defense and security journalist for Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, mentioned the challenges posed by the military use of AI, including risks such as AI-equipped drones misidentifying their targets.
He also said it was unclear who would be held responsible in the event of a wrong decision, adding that a lack of accountability could hamper efforts to help victims and lead to the irresponsible proliferation of AI-powered weapons.
“The big challenge we face now is how humans can work with AI and robots to keep the world safe,” he added.
