Artificial intelligence, national security and the future of warfare

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been transforming the way modern warfare is conducted. The integration of AI in military operations has the potential to greatly enhance the capabilities and efficiency of military organisations, but it also raises important ethical and security concerns. Military applications of AI have significant advantages and risks. AI is useful in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), logistics, cyberspace operations, command and control, speed and decision-making. One of the most important applications of AI to warfare will be human-machine collaboration (HMC), human-machine teams (HMT) and brain-computer interface (BCI) in which military personnel and intelligent machines work together to achieve warfighting tasks. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have national security implications. The full potential of AI in integrated warfare has yet to be realised. The armed forces still have a long way to go in terms of deploying the technology and addressing issues related to trust and ethics. AI technology is a game changer. Armed forces must look closely at the effect of AI on doctrine, organisation, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF).