Clone Wars: China US Conflict May Use AI Shark Robots And More

In a bid to bolster its defense capabilities amidst rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia is venturing into the deployment of advanced submarine technology, according to Reuters. 

The nation is reportedly steering its focus towards two distinct paths: the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines and the development of AI-powered unmanned submarines, dubbed "Ghost Sharks."

The nuclear-powered fleet, a costly and time-consuming endeavor, will see Australia spending over AUD$28 billion ($18 billion) for each of up to 13 submarines. The last of these behemoths, which will be about the length of a football field and house a crew of 132, is slated for delivery past the mid-century mark, Reuters reported. 

In stark contrast, the Ghost Sharks come with a much smaller price tag of just over AUD$23 million each and a swift delivery timeline targeting mid-2025.

The Ghost Sharks, a project spearheaded by Anduril, a U.S. defense contractor, are designed to revolutionize naval warfare through automation and artificial intelligence, Reuters reported. Shane Arnott, the senior vice-president of engineering at Anduril, emphasized the reduced complexity and cost in building unmanned submarines.

“A huge amount of the expense and systems go into supporting the humans,” Arnott told the outlet, highlighting the transformative potential of removing the need for a human crew.

Amid the promising prospects of AI-powered submarines, the rapid development and deployment of such technology are driven by a pressing need for readiness against potential conflicts.

The Defense Strategic Review published by the Australian government in April underscored China's significant military buildup, noting it as the most ambitious since the end of World War II.

“We can’t wait five to 10 years, or decades, to get stuff,” Arnott told Reuters, pointing to the dwindling timeline for preparation.

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As the world stands on the cusp of a new era in military technology, the role of AI and autonomous weapons has become increasingly pivotal. Mick Ryan, a recently retired Australian army major general, told Reuters, “Winning the software battle in this strategic competition is vital.”

The sentiment echoes a broader concern that the victor in the AI arms race could potentially reshape the global political and economic landscape.

While the U.S. and its allies have strived to maintain their longstanding economic and military dominance, China is steadily challenging the status quo, fostering a high-stakes competition in the military technology sphere, according to Reuters. 

Recent developments in Ukraine, which include the innovative use of technology in warfare, have further fueled this competitive landscape.

Looking at the broader picture, the integration of AI into military strategy extends beyond autonomous submarines, Reuters reported. The technology promises to revolutionize battlefield analytics, offering commanders a range of options derived from a vast pool of data, according to the outlet. Moreover, AI facilitates "micro-targeting," allowing for precise attacks on key individuals based on an extensive analysis of personal data, it added. 

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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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