Both the United States and China are prioritizing the development of weapons and tools that utilize artificial intelligence (AI). Autonomous drones that can operate without human intervention and AI-powered systems to identify targets are key areas of focus for both sides.

China’s National University of Defense Technology recently conducted a trial where a swarm of drones successfully overcame jamming signals by working together. These drones autonomously found and destroyed a target using loitering munitions, demonstrating their capabilities without the need for human operators.

The United States, along with the United Kingdom and Australia, conducted a joint exercise involving AI-enabled drones. The drones operated as a swarm to track and simulate attacks on ground vehicles. During the exercise, the drones were retrained in-flight by receiving updates to their AI targeting programs.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the U.S. also offered a contract opportunity for a project focusing on a “swarm-of-swarms” concept. This project aims to combine AI-guided drones operating in the air, land, and sea domains.

A recent study by the Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University highlighted the prevalence of intelligent and autonomous vehicles in Military procurement contracts. Approximately one-third of all known contracts in the U.S. and China during an eight-month period in 2020 were related to AI-driven vehicles.

Ukraine has provided a real-world testing ground for AI-driven drone technology in its conflict with Russia. The U.S. military has learned valuable lessons about the effectiveness of these technologies on the battlefield through this conflict.

AI tools for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance were found to be the second-largest category of procurement contracts in both the U.S. and China. These tools include utilizing AI for analyzing satellite images to identify potential targets. Both countries are investing substantial amounts of money in military AI research and development.

While the development of these AI-enabled weapons and tools is promising, it is important to note that they are still in the early stages of development. The journey from innovation to widespread adoption and use at scale is a complex one.

Recent advancements in AI have raised expectations for military applications, leading to concerns that the U.S. may lag behind China in this area. The U.S. House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on battlefield AI, where it was highlighted that China’s advancements in AI could be used for malicious purposes if the U.S. fails to remain competitive.

China has expressed its plans to accelerate the development of unmanned, intelligent combat capabilities, as stated by leader Xi Jinping during the Communist Party’s 20th National Congress.

The responsible use of AI technology in the military sphere has become a topic of discussion among nations. A meeting involving 50 nations, including the U.S. and China, was held to address concerns about unintended military escalation due to AI-controlled weapons.

Both countries are actively investing in AI research and development for military purposes, raising the stakes in this race for technological superiority.

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