Pentagon to use $1.5 billion to accelerate AI deployment

Pentagon to use $1.5 billion to accelerate AI deployment

Washington, 7/19/2021

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to invest nearly $1.5 billion over the next five years to accelerate the use of AI. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the spending during the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence summit on new technologies.

The Pentagon – chief stressed AI investments are among the „top priorities.“ Currently, he said, there are 600+ AI projects in the works, „significantly more“ than a year ago, including 60 led by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

AI is central to the military’s „integrated deterrence strategy,“ which relies on technology, strategy and capabilities to deter adversaries.

„We will immediately adjust, enhance or even disable AI systems that are not behaving as we intend,“ he said.

In its final report released in March, the National Security Commission on AI determined that the U.S. military must become „AI-ready“ by 2025.

Austin noted that includes upskilling the military’s workforce and new incentives to attract graduates.