AI warfare

As dozens of armed conflicts continue worldwide, artificial intelligence in warfare has unexpectedly become a central topic at the UN General Assembly. Debate centers on who should lead global AI regulation, with Britain positioning itself as a candidate for that role. Discussion also focuses on what military AI could mean for the war in Ukraine and for global security more broadly.

The US Air Force has taken delivery of its first 'robot wingman' drones, autonomous aircraft designed to fly alongside crewed fighter jets. The delivery marks the start of trials into autonomous warfare, testing how unmanned drones can support pilots in combat missions. The programme is seen as a major step toward integrating AI-driven aircraft into military operations.

The Week is examining the rise of lethal autonomous weapons, framing recent developments in military robotics as a potential revolution in warfare. The piece reflects a wider debate over weapons systems that can select and engage targets without human intervention, and over the lack of binding international rules governing their use. Critics warn of accountability gaps and escalation risks, while proponents point to precision and reduced risk to soldiers.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the creation of a new four-star command dedicated to autonomous warfare, dubbed AutoWarCom. The move signals the Pentagon's push to organize and accelerate its use of AI-driven and unmanned combat systems under a single leadership structure. Military observers are weighing what the command will control, its budget, and how it reshapes existing combatant commands.

A new segment titled "Valley of Death" examines the ties between Big Tech, military AI development, and an alleged secret arrangement involving the CIA and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The story is drawing large attention, with hundreds of thousands engaging with coverage of the claims about intelligence agencies and Silicon Valley's entanglement in warfare technology.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has given an interview discussing the future of warfare, artificial intelligence and Europe's security, with a focus on Ukraine's ability to innovate under the pressure of ongoing conflict. Readers are sharing the conversation as a window into how technology could reshape military strategy and what lessons Ukraine's wartime adaptability might hold for European defence policy.

Journalist Sharon Weinberger discusses her work on "Valley of Death," examining the deep historical relationship between the US intelligence community and Silicon Valley, including a reported secret deal between the CIA and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The interview also covers Big Tech's growing role in AI-powered warfare and Pentagon contracting.

China has established new colleges within its military academies focused on artificial intelligence, drone warfare and discipline, according to the South China Morning Post. The restructuring signals Beijing's push to modernise the People's Liberation Army around emerging technologies as competition with the United States intensifies and defence planners emphasise unmanned systems and smart warfare capabilities.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced plans to cut 20% of senior military officers, including general and flag officers, while unveiling a new command focused on artificial intelligence. The move is framed as part of efforts to streamline the Pentagon's leadership structure and modernise the US military for emerging technologies and future warfare.

Ukraine's 475th Code 9.2 Regiment says its AI-enabled drones are striking Russian armored vehicles before they can reach the border of the Kharkiv region. The unit claims its drones are destroying Russian armor on a near-industrial scale. The claim highlights the growing role of autonomous targeting in Ukraine's defense against Russian advances.

The Pentagon has created a new body dubbed 'Autowarcom' aimed at expanding the US military's use of artificial intelligence and drone technology. The initiative, reported by Reuters, signals a push to accelerate autonomous and AI-enabled warfare capabilities across the armed forces as competition with rival militaries intensifies.

Ukrainian cybersecurity company Osavul has raised $10 million to expand its platform, which uses artificial intelligence to identify hybrid threats such as disinformation and coordinated influence campaigns before attacks unfold. The funding is drawing attention among those following AI-driven security tools and the growing market for countering information warfare.

German startup Armadin has raised $10 million in seed funding to develop autonomous security drones capable of operating in GPS-denied environments. The drones use computer vision and AI-based navigation instead of satellite positioning, allowing them to patrol areas where signals are jammed or unavailable. The funding comes amid growing European investment in defense and security technology, and the startup's focus on resilient navigation has drawn attention from defense and tech communities.

Ukraine's former defense minister and current minister of digital transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has announced an ambitious effort to develop autonomous battlefield robots, likened to a 'Manhattan Project'. He told Defense News he wants humanoid-like robots deployed on the battlefield within six months and an assault carried out without infantry within a year. The plan highlights Ukraine's push to lead in military AI and robotics amid the ongoing war with Russia.