The second summit on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) begins in Seoul on September 9, 2024, with a focus on establishing global norms for the use of AI in warfare. As militaries around the world increasingly adopt AI technology, there is a growing political effort to regulate its application in conflicts. The ongoing wars between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas are becoming “AI labs,” demonstrating the extensive use of AI in warfare. The potential development of autonomous weapons, or “killer robots,” which could make decisions and wield arms independently of human control, raises concerns about the future of warfare and the threat to human civilization. Consequently, countries are coming together to establish norms and guidelines to govern the role of AI in warfare to prevent potential global destruction.    

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM)

The Hague summit in February 2023, which broadened the debate and discussions but did not yield any significant outcomes. While the first summit did not produce a conclusive blueprint, there is hope that this time the summit will result in a meaningful call to action and a clear set of guidelines. It is Co-hosted by Kenya, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

Objectives of the REAIM Summit: The REAIM summit is focused on three key objectives:

• Understanding the Implications: Evaluate the impact of military AI on global peace and security to better grasp its potential consequences.
• Implementing New Norms: Develop and establish comprehensive norms and guidelines for the ethical use of AI systems in military operations.
• Oversight and Governance: Propose strategies for long-term global governance of military AI and create mechanisms to oversee its use, preventing potential misuse by nations. 

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Applications of AI in the Military

• Early Uses (Inventory Management and Logistics): AI was initially utilized in the military for tasks such as inventory management and logistics. For example, AI systems could assess the availability of food supplies at a military base or track the number of equipment units, thereby improving efficiency and resource management.
• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• • Enhanced Situational Awareness: AI has the potential to revolutionize how military entities acquire, integrate, and analyze vast amounts of battlefield data. It enhances situational awareness by providing more accurate and timely information to decision-makers, thus improving their understanding of battlefield conditions.
  • Extended Decision-Making Windows: By rapidly processing and analyzing data, AI extends the decision-making window for military leaders. This allows them more time to make informed decisions regarding force deployment and other critical actions.
  • Refined Targeting Accuracy: AI improves targeting precision, reducing the risk of civilian casualties. Its ability to analyze data and refine targeting processes ensures more accurate engagement in combat situations.
• Simulation and Scenario Planning: AI assists in simulating various battlefield scenarios, aiding decision-making. For example, during a military operation, AI can analyze real-time data, such as the number of enemy personnel, and generate 3D models of the situation. It can also predict the outcomes of different strategies, helping military leaders choose the most effective course of action.
• Autonomous Drones: AI-powered drones are increasingly used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeted strikes. For instance, Israel’s Iron Dome system uses AI to intercept and destroy incoming missiles. Although AI can operate autonomously, the REAIM summit emphasizes a human-centric approach, advocating that humans should always have the final say in critical decisions, such as whether to engage a target.

Need for Regulation

• Regulating Autonomous Weapons: The development of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) raises significant ethical and social concerns. These systems can independently select targets, make decisions, and engage in warfare without human oversight. 
  • The potential misuse of such technology by terrorist groups or non-state actors is alarming, as these weapons could be employed for harmful purposes. The day is not far when, if currently used by state militaries, these systems could fall into the hands of malicious organisations. This is a deeply worrying prospect. For example, in the recent tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur, drones were reportedly used in violent confrontations, demonstrating the dangers of autonomous systems in conflict zones.
  • Another notable example occurred in Libya in 2020 when a Turkish attack was carried out using an autonomous drone that resulted in civilian casualties. 

These incidents highlight the lethal potential of autonomous systems when operated without human intervention, leading to the loss of innocent lives.  As future wars are increasingly likely to be fought using algorithms and computational systems, the need for regulation is urgent. This necessity is precisely why summits like the one on the responsible use of AI in the military domain are being convened. Ensuring that AI is used responsibly and ethically in warfare is crucial to prevent potential disasters.

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Other Steps Taken for the Responsible Use of AI in Warfare

International Efforts

• United Nations General Assembly (UNGA): The issue of Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs) was first discussed at the UNGA in 2019. In the upcoming summit, a report by the UN Secretary-General on this topic is expected, which may further advance the global conversation on regulating AI in military applications.

National Efforts

• United States
  • Draft Political Declaration: During the 2023 Summit, the U.S.A issued a draft political declaration on the responsible use of AI in the military, which was formalised in November 2023. This declaration includes national guidelines for the U.S. Armed Forces regarding AI usage.
  • NATO Advocacy: The U.S. has encouraged its NATO allies to adopt similar norms and to “accelerate” the deployment of AI systems that could benefit NATO militarily, but in a “safe and responsible” manner. A strategy was developed in 2021 outlining principles for the responsible use of AI.

Bilateral Dialogues

• US-China Bilateral Dialogue: This ongoing dialogue aims to address and manage the implications of AI in military applications, particularly focusing on issues related to nuclear deterrence.

India’s Stand on AI in the Military

• Limited Involvement: India did not endorse the “call to action” issued by the Hague summit in February 2023. While India is vocal about the responsible use of AI, it has not been as outspoken on this specific issue.
• Watch-and-Wait’ Approach: India has adopted a cautious stance, observing global developments and debates on the use of AI in the military without committing to specific frameworks or guidelines. It remains to be seen how India will respond to the discussions and outcomes of the Seoul summit, and whether it will align with any emerging blueprints for AI governance in the military.

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Conclusion

The responsible use of AI in warfare is essential for all countries to prevent the rise of autonomous weapons, which could pose a catastrophic threat to humanity if left unregulated. Global cooperation is crucial to ensure AI is used ethically and safely in military applications.

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