The US military has been utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to pinpoint targets for air strikes in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. These algorithms, developed under Project Maven – a collaboration between Google and the Pentagon, have human oversight in the selection process.
According to Schuyler Moore, the chief technology officer at US Central Command, machine learning algorithms played a crucial role in identifying targets for over 85 air strikes in the Middle East this month. In February, US bombers and fighter aircraft conducted air strikes, targeting seven facilities in Iraq and Syria to impair rockets, missiles, drone storage facilities, and militia operations centers.
Furthermore, AI systems were deployed to identify rocket launchers in Yemen and surface combatants in the Red Sea, subsequently neutralized through multiple air strikes in the same month. Despite Google’s decision not to renew the contract in 2019, the US military continued experimenting with AI algorithms to identify potential targets using drone or satellite imagery in the Middle East, especially after the October 7 Hamas attacks.
It is important to note that human oversight remains crucial throughout this process. Human personnel are responsible for verifying AI systems’ target recommendations and devising attack strategies, including weapon selection. According to Moore, there is never an algorithm running independently; every AI-involved step undergoes human verification.
The integration of artificial intelligence in the US military’s target identification process highlights the evolving landscape of technological advancements in armed forces operations. The partnership between Google and the Pentagon under Project Maven showcases the importance of leveraging AI and machine learning for efficient and effective target selection in air strikes.
The continued use of AI in identifying potential targets for air strikes signifies a shift towards more advanced and sophisticated warfare tactics. As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative for the military to adapt and utilize such tools responsibly and with human oversight to ensure accurate and precise target identification in conflict zones.
