Robot Dogs, Cyberattacks as War Crimes, and Technology Driving Change in Warfare
This week, Wired called the last weeks of weaponised robot dogs reveals from China and the US a “race to weaponise four-legged robots for military applications.”
The ICC has started to investigate if Russian cyberattacks against Ukraine could be classified as war crimes.
But first, General Mark A. Milley discussed the drivers of change in warfare at the Futurist Summit in a conversation with the Washington Post columnist David Ignatius:
The Big Story
China’s and the US’s Race for Robot Dogs
The Chinese military revealed a robot dog with a machine gun strapped to its back in a video distributed by CCTV. The video from China’s recent Golden Dragon 24 joint military exercises with Cambodia. In one scenario, Chinese soldiers stand on either side of a doorway while the robot dog enters the building ahead of them; in another, the robot fires off a burst of bullets as it advances on a target. The idea is that the robot dog can serve as a new member in Chinese urban combat operations, replacing soldiers, identifying the enemy, and striking the target.
Just weeks before the CCTV video was released, the Pentagon revealed experiments with robot dogs - outfitting quadrupedal ground robots with an XM7 rifle and the M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon. Marine Corps Special Operations Command also revealed that it was experimenting with adding a gun system based on defence contractor Onyx’s artificial intelligence-enabled remote weapons systems to its robots.
In an article this week, Wired is calling it a “race to weaponise four-legged robots for military applications.”
A Ghost Robotics Vision 60 prototype at an Advanced Battle Management System exercise on Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Source: U.S. Air Force
The topic is not new - both the US and China have been looking at robot dogs for a while. In 2005, Boston Dynamics revealed BigDog that was intended to carry weapons and supplies for US troops across difficult terrain. The research became the foundation for Spot, a smaller and quieter robot dog that debuted in 2015 - also with clear military applications. In 2020, the Air Force integrated a handful of Ghost Robotics systems into an exercise at Nellis Air Force Based in Nevada.
In 2022, the Chinese defence company Kestrel Defence released footage of robot dogs outfitted with combat systems that included everything from smoke grenades to loitering munitions. In October of the same year, they showed an unmanned aerial vehicle air-dropping a quadrupedal ground vehicle with a light machine gun on its roof during an urban warfare experiment.
Following those experiments, the US has introduced robot dogs to combat weapons of mass destruction - to allow airmen to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
“These dogs will be an extra set of eyes and ears while computing large amounts of data at strategic locations,” said Major Jordan Criss, to Wired.
Russia’s Cyberattacks Could Be War Crimes
The ICC is investigating Russian cyberattacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure as possible war crimes.
The prosecutors are inspecting attacks on infrastructure that endangered lives by disrupting power and water supplies, cutting connections to emergency responders, or knocking out mobile data services that transmit air raid warnings.
This is the first time that cyberattacks are being investigated by international prosecutors which could lead to arrest warrants.
The attacks were committed from the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. One example might be the hack of Ukraine’s biggest telecoms operator Kyivstar where services were knocked out for some 24 million users in December last year for days.
The probe might also go back as far as 2014 leading up to Russia annexing the Crimea peninsula.
Moscow has previously denied that it carried out cyber attacks.
The International Criminal Court. Source: REUTERS
In the News
How Local Radio Plays a Crucial Role in Peacebuilding in Nigeria
In Nigeria, local radio serves as a vital tool for promoting peace and stability, especially in rural areas with limited access to other media. Radio stations broadcast programs addressing tribal and ethnic conflicts, facilitating dialogue and understanding among communities. Non-Governmental Organizations utilize radio for grassroots communication and peace initiatives, featuring interactive segments and interviews with community leaders to promote peaceful coexistence. Radio’s accessibility and use of local languages enhance its effectiveness in conflict resolution.
Read more at Peace News.
Trump Worries AI Deepfakes Could Trigger Nuclear War
Former President Donald Trump expressed concerns about artificial intelligence and deepfakes, suggesting they could escalate to nuclear war. He described a scenario where a convincing deepfake video could prompt a nuclear response. Trump stressed the importance of the U.S. leading in AI development, warning that environmental concerns should not impede progress. He acknowledged bipartisan consensus on AI risks, noting initiatives like Biden’s Executive Order and a bipartisan AI roadmap led by Senator Chuck Schumer.
Read more at Time.
The Relationship Between Social Media and Violence in Papua New Guinea
Social media in Papua New Guinea is contributing to the escalation of violence by facilitating the rapid spread of inflammatory content and gruesome images. This dynamic is exacerbating local conflicts and collective violence, particularly in areas with deep-rooted tribal identities and histories of inter-community conflict. Efforts are needed to promote responsible social media use and develop local norms to mitigate the harmful impact of digital content.
Read more at USIP.
Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray Drone Completes Testing as it Is Seen Gliding in the Ocean
Northrop Grumman has successfully tested its Manta Ray, an uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) designed for long-duration and long-range missions. Developed for the U.S. military, the Manta Ray can operate autonomously for extended periods, thanks to its advanced propulsion and buoyancy systems. Testing off the coast of southern California demonstrated its hydrodynamic performance and operational readiness. DARPA is now collaborating with the U.S. Navy for further testing and potential deployment of this technology.
Read more at Eandt Theiet.
US Doubling Down on Drone Swarm War for Taiwan
The United States is increasing its investment in drone swarm technology to bolster Taiwan’s defence against potential Chinese aggression. This approach leverages the strategic advantages of drone swarms, which can overwhelm enemy defences with their sheer numbers and coordination. The development underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare, where technological advancements are pivotal in maintaining a strategic edge.
Read more at Asia Times.
South Korea Is still Indonesia’s Best Partner for Defence-Technology Cooperation
South Korea remains Indonesia’s preferred partner for defense-technology cooperation, reflecting a strong bilateral relationship and shared strategic interests. Collaborative efforts include joint development of defence technologies, military training, and capacity building. This partnership aims to enhance Indonesia’s defence capabilities and foster regional stability.
Read more at ASPI Strategist.
