CSET’s Margarita Konaev provided her expert analysis in an article published by the Associated Press. The article discusses the growing rivalry between the U.S. and China in military planning, focusing on a new form of warfare utilizing swarms of air and sea drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). The race for swarming drone technology resembles the Cold War arms race but is even harder to contain due to the nature of software-driven capabilities.

In discussing the proliferation of swarm technology, Konaev emphasizes, “The unchecked spread of swarm technology could lead to more instability and conflict around the world.”

The article also cites Konaev’s 2023 report, titled “U.S. and Chinese Military AI Purchases“, which analyzes 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. The findings indicate that both countries are focusing on similar areas, especially the development of intelligent and autonomous vehicles and AI applications for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Read the full article on the Associated Press.