Pentagon revises doctrine on AI use in combat

The US Department of Defense has revised its doctrine for identifying combat targets, expanding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in this process.

According to Report, Bloomberg – citing internal Pentagon documents – reported that the updated doctrine allows for systems in which AI can initiate actions under human supervision. Under current rules, any decision to act must be made by a human.

The document notes that technological advances and the pace of modern warfare may require the US Armed Forces to employ fully autonomous systems.

A representative of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Armed Forces told Bloomberg that the changes are the result of years of comprehensive work and reflect lessons learned in various contexts.

Meanwhile, a Pentagon representative emphasized that the AI technologies currently in use do not independently select or engage targets, and ultimate control over every decision remains with military command.