Artificial Intelligence and the Changing Nature of Warfare

Abstract

Software is eating the world and Artificial Intelligence is eating software, but weaponry is breathing Artificial Intelligence. Weaponry and warfare are inextricably connected. Important features of weaponry have remained dependent on technology. From ancient times to current, every technological breakthrough has made weaponry more advanced by enhancing their capacities. Some of the distinct features which Artificial Intelligence has added to the field of weaponry now include perception, cognition and action (will). Currently, autonomous weaponry is between semi and fully autonomous stages of development. If the change persists, human control over weaponry will gradually diminish. If technological singularity is materialised, it will be done at the expense of invincible weaponry and extinction of Homo sapiens.