Addressing the imperative to bolster America’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in response to the “pacing challenge” posed by the Chinese military, a senior U.S. defense official underscored the need for a comprehensive approach. The focus, as per the official’s statement on Tuesday, should extend beyond the development of weapons systems to restructuring the Pentagon’s bureaucracy.
Michael Horowitz, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, emphasized that the Pentagon’s Replicator Initiative serves as an early test in this strategic pursuit. The initiative, introduced in August, aims to deploy thousands of autonomous systems across land, sea, and air within the next 18 to 24 months. Horowitz stated that this initiative plays a pivotal role in countering China’s swift military advancements.
Horowitz clarified that the Replicator Initiative is not just about technology but also about showcasing the ability to develop and deploy capabilities swiftly and at scale. He noted the importance of a process-oriented approach, asserting, “It’s about showing we can do hard things that we can develop, and especially accelerate the fielding of capabilities at speed and at scale.”
To facilitate this effort, an office led by Horowitz has been established, merging responsibilities related to policy, budgets, and the exploitation of emerging technologies, including AI, biotechnology, directed energy, and hypersonic weapons.
Despite acknowledging the challenges associated with streamlining the Defense Department, Horowitz emphasized the significance of integrating emerging capabilities into the core of military planning. The Pentagon’s bureaucracy, with its complexities, involves 27,000 military personnel and civilians supporting over 1.3 million active personnel and 700,000 civilian employees worldwide.
Gregory Allen, an expert from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, acknowledged the importance of aligning policy and budget postures within the Pentagon. He emphasized that disconnect between these aspects could hinder progress, describing the Pentagon as a place where many hands are involved in AI and autonomous weapons development.
While the U.S. is making strides in AI adoption within the Pentagon, officials highlight the importance of responsible use. Horowitz affirmed the commitment to ensuring safety and predictability in autonomous weapons systems, emphasizing the necessity of safeguards and careful vetting.
Despite U.S. efforts, the responsible use of autonomous weapons lacks the support of certain countries, including China, Russia, and North Korea. Horowitz expressed hope that more countries would join the U.S.’s bid to foster international cooperation, citing a potential plenary session in the first half of 2024 for states endorsing the political declaration on autonomous weapons.
Horowitz also highlighted the Defense Department’s commitment to dialogue with China, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding to reduce the risk of unintended clashes. The evolving landscape of AI’s role in global alliances, such as the Aukus pact, presents additional challenges, navigating export control regulations, and bureaucratic resistance within the Pentagon.