The uses for and abilities of artificial intelligence are growing at an exponential rate. Advanced militaries like the U.S. and China already use the technology to gather intelligence, pilot drones and target enemy positions. The U.S. even lets AI agents fly an F-16.
It’s just a matter of time before a military starts using AI to plan battles, and the AI agent to do that may already be here.
In a video released on April 25, Palantir Technologies introduced the world to its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). On a core level, the system integrates large language models (LLMs) and AI into a private network. A military can then use AIP to create battlefield plans as easily as students can use Chat-GPT to write a paper.
Palantir said its AIP operates on three core pillars:
- AIP launches LLMs and AI across multiple classified networks and devices.
- AIP connects the streams of data to create real-time environments.
- AIP has security features to limit the access of the AI.
The video introducing AIP demonstrated a scenario of a soldier monitoring Eastern Europe. The artificial intelligence detected enemy movement and, using a virtual-assistant type of interface, suggested ways to do more reconnaissance.
At this point in the video demonstration, AIP suggested the soldier launch a Reaper drone for an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission. AIP and the soldier monitored the incoming data and once the threat was identified, AIP offered suggestions on ways to deal with the threat based on a slew of logistical considerations like troop and weapons availability, distance to target, even terrain.
Palantir said its Artificial Intelligence Platform keeps a complete digital record of everything it does for later review if necessary.
Also, while the human involvement in the process may seem more like someone playing a video game than crafting actual battle plans, Palantir said the fact a human is involved in each step of the process should help ensure AIP is following the rules of engagement on the battlefield, and not taking any unauthorized actions. At least let’s hope so.
