The uncertainty in international relations has intensified due to ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas crisis. It has led to rapid applications of new technologies in the military sector.
Countries are increasingly challenging the post-World War II rules-based international order, advocating for a more multipolar world, and viewing artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force in military affairs.
Unlike in the past, when the focus was on heavy and large weapons, today’s emphasis is on cost-effective systems that offer efficiency, highlighting the need for international community management.
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Cara Abercrombie recently spoke at the Seoul Security Dialogue held at a hotel in Seoul. She referenced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, tensions in the South China Sea, attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, and North Korea’s illegal nuclear and missile development, warning that the U.S. can no longer assume military superiority.
She stressed the importance of adapting to rapid technological advancements in AI, autonomy, biotechnology, and space technology, urging a shift from traditional methods to a more agile and innovative approach.
Abercrombie explained that they embrace non-traditional defense suppliers and actors while simultaneously consolidating previously incremental technology adoption processes. She stated that the new strategy is to “fail faster, learn from those failures, and adapt.” She also emphasized that platforms must be affordable, mass-produced, and disposable in combat situations.
Abercrombie highlighted the “Replicator” project as a key achievement, condoning a typical 7—to 8-year production timeline into just one year. This capability allows for deploying combat aircraft more quickly while minimizing casualties and costs based on autonomous systems.
Nils Hilmer, Germany’s Deputy Minister of Defense, emphasized the importance of speed in defense strategies, stating that it’s not always necessary to aim for 100% effectiveness; achieving about 60% can often be sufficient. He cited Ukraine’s use of low-cost drones to cripple Russia’s Black Sea fleet as a prime example of effective battlefield innovation.
Similarly, U.K. Minister of State for Defense Vernon Coaker emphasized that drones have brought innovation to the battlefield at a relatively low cost. Ukraine’s effective use of new tech in response to battlefield crises has proven that large, expensive military equipment is no longer the sole path to strategic advantage.
Concerns are rising that the threshold for the practical use of weapon systems integrating new technologies like AI is lowering, leading to increased demands for responsible technology use.
Abercrombie stressed the need for innovation at a “responsible pace” and noted that the U.S. has made a toolkit to ensure AI is being used responsibly both within the military and beyond. Last year, President Joe Biden issued an executive order promoting safer AI utilization.
Hilmer also pointed out the dual nature of adopting new technologies, emphasizing the need to recognize their benefits while also being cautious of their potential misuse on the battlefield. He stressed that not everyone might use these technologies responsibly.
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