Ukraine Rolls Out Target-Seeking Terminator Drones
2024-03-21
Forbes
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Ukrainian forces have begun using FPV drones equipped with AI-powered autonomous targeting systems that can lock onto and strike targets even after losing communication due to electronic warfare. These drones have successfully destroyed enemy assets, marking a significant escalation in the use of AI-driven lethal autonomous weapons in active conflict.[AI generated]
Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?
The event involves the development and potential use of AI-enabled autonomous guidance systems for drones, which are AI systems by definition as they infer from input to generate outputs influencing physical environments (targeting and navigation). The article does not report any realized harm yet but highlights the plausible future harm from deploying such autonomous drones in warfare, including injury or death and property damage. The autonomous targeting capability could bypass existing countermeasures, increasing risk. Hence, it fits the definition of an AI Hazard, as the AI system's use could plausibly lead to an AI Incident in the future. There is no indication of current harm or incident, so it is not an AI Incident. It is not merely complementary information or unrelated, as the focus is on the development and potential impact of the AI system.[AI generated]