Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every field of life. From healthcare to education, and now even defense. Today, militaries around the world are using AI to improve decision-making, automate tasks, and strengthen national security.

However, just like any other technology, AI in the military has both advantages and serious risks. In this paper, I will discuss the main benefits and risks of using AI in military systems, and share my own understanding of why careful control and ethical use are necessary.

To understand its impact better, let’s first look at the major benefits of using AI in military applications.

Benefits of AI in military applications

1. Faster and Smarter Decision-Making

One of the biggest advantages of AI in the military is speed. AI systems can process large amounts of data from satellites, drones, and radars much faster than humans.

This helps commanders make better decisions in less time. In other words, AI allows militaries to respond in seconds rather than minutes, which can be the difference between success and failure in combat.

For example, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Project Maven uses AI to analyze drone footage and identify objects such as vehicles or enemy movements automatically.

This reduces the burden on human analysts and helps in real-time decision-making. Similarly, AI-based early warning systems can instantly detect missile launches or unusual enemy movements, giving armies valuable reaction time.

2. Reducing Risk to Human Soldiers

Moreover, AI-powered robots and drones can be used for dangerous missions such as bomb disposal, battlefield surveillance, or supply delivery in war zones. This helps protect human lives by sending machines instead of soldiers into risky environments.

Countries like the U.S., Russia, and Israel are already testing autonomous vehicles for these types of operations.

3. Better Logistics and Maintenance

Military logistics is one of the most complex parts of defense operations. AI also helps in managing military logistics.

For example, it can help in tracking supplies, predicting when a vehicle or aircraft will need maintenance, and avoiding breakdowns during missions. This predictive maintenance saves time, money, and increases the overall efficiency of military operations.

4. Stronger Cybersecurity and Intelligence

AI tools can detect unusual network activities faster than traditional systems. This is extremely important for national security because cyberattacks are becoming more common.

AI can also analyze intelligence reports, satellite images, and online activities to identify possible threats before they happen.

In 2023, several studies by NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence showed that AI tools can reduce response time to cyber incidents by up to 70%.

This proves how powerful AI can be in protecting military communication systems and sensitive data from hackers.

5. Training and Simulation

Apart from real-world combat, AI can also improve military training through realistic simulations. Using AI-based virtual environments, soldiers can practice real-world scenarios safely and repeatedly.

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) in the U.S. has developed AI-driven simulation platforms that help pilots train against virtual enemy aircraft controlled by machine learning algorithms.

This allows military personnel to learn how to respond to unpredictable situations in combat, improving preparedness and performance without the risks of real warfare.

6. Coordination and Swarm Technology

Finally, one of the most futuristic applications of AI in the military is swarm technology. AI can control swarms of drones that move and communicate like groups of birds or insects.

These drone swarms can perform surveillance, confuse enemy radars, or even attack targets in coordination.

Currently, China and the United States are both developing swarm drone technologies, which could change the entire nature of warfare by increasing speed, coordination, and adaptability during missions.

While these advantages are significant, it is important to consider the potential risks that come with military AI.

References:

PEI- Genesis

Risks and challenges of AI in military applications

1. Ethical and Legal Concerns

One of the biggest concerns with military AI is ethics. Many experts fear that if machines are given full control to select and attack targets, it could lead to serious moral and legal issues.

Who will be responsible if a machine makes a wrong decision and kills innocent people? This question has made many countries call for international rules to limit the use of fully autonomous weapons.

2. Possibility of Accidents or Malfunctions

AI systems are not perfect. They can make mistakes if the data used to train them is wrong or incomplete.

For example, an AI drone could misidentify a civilian vehicle as a target. A small technical error could lead to large-scale destruction.

Therefore, full human supervision is essential whenever AI is used in defense operations.

In fact, studies show that during testing, AI systems often misidentify targets due to lighting or environmental confusion.

Such mistakes can lead to accidental attacks and civilian casualties, which can damage a nation’s reputation and trigger political conflicts.

3. Risk of Cyber Manipulation

AI systems can be hacked or fooled by adversaries. If an enemy changes the data or tampers with the AI model, the entire defense system could behave incorrectly.

This could result in misinformation, false alarms, or even the self-destruction of military assets.

The Pentagon’s 2022 Cybersecurity Review warned that adversaries are increasingly trying to attack autonomous systems through hacking or misinformation.

4. Increasing Global Tension and Arms Race

Furthermore, as more countries develop AI-based weapons, the global arms race is speeding up. Nations are competing to build smarter and faster weapons.

This competition could make wars more likely because powerful AI systems might make nations overconfident in their military strength.

5. Human Control and Accountability

Lastly, one of the most important concerns is maintaining human control and accountability.

Even if AI systems perform well, removing human judgment completely from life-and-death decisions is dangerous.

Machines don’t have emotions or ethics, and they only follow patterns. This lack of empathy can lead to serious moral and humanitarian problems if not handled properly.

References:

HUMANATARIAN LAW AND POLICY

Recommendations

Considering both the benefits and risks, it is clear that AI’s use in military operations needs careful regulation.

In my opinion, AI should be used in the military with strong human oversight and global ethical standards. It should support human officers, not replace them in critical decision-making.

Governments need to:

• Create strict policies for AI weapon testing and use.
• Ensure international cooperation to avoid an AI arms race.
• Maintain transparency and accountability in how AI systems make decisions.
• Train personnel to understand AI’s strengths and limitations.

Countries should also invest in AI safety research to make sure the systems are reliable and fair before deployment.

Final Words

In conclusion, AI has the power to completely change modern warfare. Which makes it faster, smarter, and more efficient. It can save lives, reduce costs, and improve defense strategies.

However, if not used carefully, it can also create moral, legal, and security disasters. In my view, the goal should be to use AI responsibly with strict human supervision, global cooperation, and strong ethical boundaries. Technology should make wars less likely, not more dangerous.

About Author:

Amna Ahsan, The student of BS International Relations at International Islamic University Islamabad.