CSET Research Fellow, Sam Bresnick, provided his expert insights in an article published by The Economist. The article discusses the Royal Navy’s adoption of advanced technology, including the StormCloud system. This integrates ground troops, drones, and sensors via a mesh network for improved data sharing and real-time decision-making. The article also highlights that the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in military strategy is growing, supported by substantial investments from nations like the U.S. and China.

Regarding China’s development of military AI, Bresnick comments, “China faces significant headwinds in military AI”, and he adds, “It is unclear whether the PLA has the tech talent to create world-class systems and its centralized decision-making might impede AI decision-support.”

The article also cites an August 2023 CSET, “U.S. and Chinese Military AI Purchases,” which uses procurement records published by the U.S. Department of Defense and China’s People’s Liberation Army between April and November of 2020 to assess, and, where appropriate, compare what each military is buying when it comes to artificial intelligence. It found that the two militaries are prioritizing similar application areas, especially intelligent and autonomous vehicles and AI applications for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

To read the full article, visit The Economist.