A former test pilot and executive from a military technology company shared with Fox News the necessity for the Pentagon to incorporate automated technology into its strategic planning to adapt to the changing nature of warfare. This adjustment is crucial in response to the potential threat posed by low-cost drones equipped with artificial intelligence, capable of targeting and destroying valuable military assets.
According to Chris Gentile, the vice president of military autonomous systems at EpiSci, there has been a shift towards “democratized warfare” in battlegrounds across different regions, such as Europe, where a simple $1,000 drone could neutralize a multimillion-dollar asset.
Gentile emphasized the importance of integrating artificial intelligence into weapons systems and strategies to uphold America’s position as a key global power. He highlighted the necessity of utilizing AI to improve the capabilities of fighter pilots, bomber pilots, and controllers, stressing the ongoing need for investment in infrastructure, personnel, and testing protocols to support technological progress.
Despite the Pentagon’s emphasis on advancing military AI, concerns about reliability persist among U.S. military leaders and personnel. Gentile likened the cautious approach towards adopting AI to the careful evaluation of any new tool, stressing the importance of reliability, trustworthiness, and the mitigation of vulnerabilities in operational procedures.
While recognizing the ethical dilemmas associated with AI-driven military aircraft, Gentile advocated for rigorous testing and development to build trust in AI-enabled technologies among officers and troops. He highlighted the significance of thorough testing protocols to educate military personnel about the capabilities and constraints of these systems.
Looking forward, experts, including former fighter pilot Dan Robinson, concur that continuous progress in AI technologies is vital for the U.S. to retain its competitive edge in the changing military landscape, especially in light of China’s military modernization endeavors. Gentile underscored the urgency for the U.S. to enhance and deploy its AI systems swiftly to maintain its strategic superiority on the battlefield.
