The age of AI warfare is here: U.S. military uses AI for airstrikes in Middle East

According to new reports, the Pentagon is using advanced computer vision algorithms to aid in target identification for airstrikes, marking a notable shift in military tactics.

The report revealed that the U.S. military conducted over 85 airstrikes across Iraq and Syria, targeting various assets including rockets, missiles, and militia operations centers.

The military is said to have been responding to a January drone attack in Jordan that killed 3 US service members.

Schuyler Moore, the chief technology officer for the U.S. Central Command, highlighted the role of AI in enhancing threat detection, stating, "We’ve been utilizing computer vision to pinpoint potential threats." The new development is part of a broader program dubbed Project Maven that was initiated in 2017 and is aimed at expanding automation within the Department of Defense.

The integration of AI in target acquisition reflects a broader global trend in military operations—and an arguably disturbing one, at that.

Late last year news came out that Israel was also leveraging AI to determine where to drop bombs in gaza. The program is dubbed "The Gospel," and works by analyzing large sets of data sets then recommending targets to human analysts.

The targets could be weapons, vehicles, individuals or other entities. Israeli officials assert that the AI's recommendations undergo thorough review processes involving human oversight to ensure precision and ethical considerations.

While AI holds promise in revolutionizing military operations by enhancing efficiency and accuracy, its deployment raises critical ethical questions and concerns regarding accountability and transparency.

As nations continue to adopt AI technologies in warfare, ensuring responsible use and adherence to international norms remain imperative to mitigate potential risks and safeguard against unintended consequences.