Project Maven in the Middle East, Russia’s Space-Based Nuclear Weapons and Remote Learning for Refugees
AI has been in use for a while in the US military. This week, Bloomberg published an article on Project Maven and its application.
Russia is suspected of developing an anti-satellite nuclear weapon for deployment in space, which would violate international treaties and raise concerns.
Programs aimed at advancing young children's learning through remote methods have shown promising results, especially in areas affected by crises, such as for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
Project Maven and US military use of AI
AI Warfare Is Already Here
There has been a transition of AI from skepticism to a pivotal role in U.S. military operations, specifically through Project Maven. This initiative demonstrates the practical use of AI in identifying battlefield targets and enhancing decision-making speed. Key developments include successful live-fire exercises, expanding AI's role in strategic military operations, and navigating the challenges of integrating AI into warfare, highlighting the balance between technological advancement and human oversight.
Read the article on Bloomberg.
US Used AI to Help Find Middle East Targets for Airstrikes
The U.S. military uses AI to help pick targets for airstrikes in the Middle East, as stated by Schuyler Moore, the technology head at U.S. Central Command. This AI, part of Project Maven, helped choose targets for 85 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as a response to an attack that killed three U.S. service members. The AI technology is used for identifying and destroying targets like rocket launchers and ships, aiming to improve defense intelligence and support. Despite AI's role, human oversight ensures accuracy and accountability in selecting targets, marking a blend of technology and human judgment in military strategy. Project Maven, started in 2017, focuses on incorporating AI into U.S. military efforts, initially against Islamic State militants.
Read the article on Bloomberg.
AI Targeting, Used in US Airstrikes, Is Just The Beginning
Retired Air Force General Jack Shanahan predicts a five-year timeline before the U.S. military comfortably uses AI for weapon recommendation and target prioritization in conflicts. This forecast hinges on developing reliable algorithms and gaining trust in their operational use, considering potential consequences of automated errors. Shanahan, Project Maven's first director, emphasizes the increasing integration of AI in military operations across various commands and allies, highlighting a shift towards normalization and reliance on machine learning systems, despite their complexity and the necessity for ongoing human oversight and data management practices.
Read the article on Bloomberg.
Russia's space-based nuclear weapons, EU tech use, and influence in China
How Could Nuclear Weapons be Used in Space?
The US has shared intelligence with Congress and European allies about Russia developing a new space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon, raising concerns over the potential impact on space and Earth. The weapon could target satellites crucial for military and civilian infrastructure, highlighting the strategic importance of satellites in modern warfare and communication. The development underscores the escalating competition in space and the potential risks of deploying such weapons, including violating international treaties against nuclear weapons in space.
Read the article on FT.
Russia Bought Tens of Millions of Euros Worth of Weapons Technology From EU in 2023
The article from Ukrainska Pravda, shared via Yahoo News, reports that Russia imported approximately €100 million worth of "sensitive goods" and technology from the EU in the first nine months of 2023, despite sanctions. This includes a significant portion of “high-priority items" directly from EU countries. The trade also involved third countries like Türkiye, the UAE, Serbia, China, and others, circumventing EU sanctions. This information, cited from Bloomberg, highlights challenges in enforcing export restrictions on technologies that could be used in weapons against Ukraine.
Read the article on Yahoo.
Russia Makes Its Case to China Social Media Users Ahead of Ukraine War Anniversary
Ahead of the Ukraine war anniversary, Russia has been actively engaging Chinese social media users to present its narrative surrounding the events leading up to the invasion. The Russian embassy in Beijing utilized platforms like Weibo and WeChat, publishing articles, videos, and commentaries that describe the 2014 "Euromaidan" movement in Ukraine as a coup supported by the West. This initiative is part of Russia's broader public diplomacy effort to gain wider support by appealing to Chinese nationalistic sentiments and showcasing Russia's resilience amid Western sanctions.
Read the article on Yahoo Finance.
China’s high-tech ships, refugee remote learning, and the arms race for chips
China's High-Tech Ship Helps Military Prepare for War
China's high-tech surveillance vessel, the Zhu Hai Yun, equipped with advanced monitoring capabilities, has been mapping Taiwan's coast, indicating a strategic move by Beijing. This initiative is seen as part of a broader "all-domain pressure campaign" against Taiwan, integrating such vessels into military preparations. The ship, capable of autonomous navigation and remote control, represents a fusion of civilian research and military applications, highlighting the blurred lines between scientific exploration and strategic military objectives around Taiwan.
Read the article on Newsweek.
Will the EU’s Defence Aims Lead to a Shattering of US Tech Dependency?
The European Union has ambitions to enhance its defense sector, aiming to reduce dependency on U.S. technology. Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, emphasizes increased collaboration among EU member states in defense spending to foster a more autonomous strategic posture globally. The initiative includes the European Defence Investment Programme, focusing on joint procurement and innovation to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities. This move is seen as essential for the EU to achieve industrial scalability and address the diverse military needs of its member states.
Read the article on Army Technology.
Remote Learning for Preschoolers Affected by Crises
The article from MIT Technology Review discusses the effectiveness of remote learning for preschoolers, particularly those affected by crises such as the Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The Sesame Workshop and International Rescue Committee's "Ahlan Simsim" program, funded by a $100 million MacArthur Foundation grant, has shown promising results in advancing young children's learning through remote methods. The study revealed that an 11-week remote learning program could achieve progress comparable to a year of in-person preschool, covering areas like literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills. This largest-ever humanitarian intervention in early childhood education suggests remote learning can be a valuable tool in crisis situations.
Read the article on MIT Technology Review.
2 Years on, Ukraine's Drone Makers Look to Deliver 'a Peaceful Sky, a Quiet Life, a Victory'
Two years after Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine's drone technology has become pivotal in its defense strategy. Ivan Kaunov, co-founder of Finmap and now an army officer, emphasizes the shift towards autonomous vehicles to save lives. Drones play a critical role in intelligence and kamikaze operations, offering cost-effective solutions against more expensive military assets. The development of drones like Buntar Aerospace's showcases Ukraine's innovation in defense tech, despite challenges in funding and the need for technological support against a formidable enemy.
Read the article on Euronews.
Gab’s Racist AI Chatbots Have Been Instructed to Deny the Holocaust
Gab's launch of almost 100 chatbots on its new platform, Gab AI, are including controversial figures like Adolf Hitler and Donald Trump, promoting harmful ideologies and misinformation. These chatbots are programmed with instructions reflecting extreme right-wing beliefs, including Holocaust denial and climate change skepticism. Experts express concerns over the potential of these chatbots to normalize disinformation and radicalize users. Gab's founder, Andrew Torba, defends the platform as a space for "unbiased and uncensored" views, even as it faces criticism for propagating hate speech and misinformation.
Read the article on Wired.
Why Making Computer Chips Has Become the New Global Arms Race
The global competition in semiconductor manufacturing has intensified, evolving into a strategic rivalry among nations, particularly between the U.S. and China. Semiconductors are vital for advanced technologies and national security, prompting the U.S. to impose export controls on China to limit its technological and military advancements. In response, countries are investing heavily to bolster their domestic chip production to reduce dependence on a few key suppliers and mitigate geopolitical risks. This race encompasses efforts to secure semiconductor supply chains, enhance national security, and gain technological supremacy.
Read the article on Bloomberg.
