Automating the fight: defense & national security in the age of the machine

Defense + national security + autonomy

Artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems are transforming the public and private spheres, and the US Department of Defense is gearing up to field autonomous systems in operational settings. As the pace of warfare increases, autonomous capabilities will play a key role in ensuring the US adapts to new threats in real-time.

Following on from the Nexus 22 symposium, Forward Defense experts explore the implications of autonomous systems for the future of defense: the threat from adversaries, the challenges for trust and acquisition, and the opportunities for national security.

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Automating the fight

Sep 20, 2022

Is cutting-edge military tech really cheaper than manpower?

By Daniel Vardiman

Automation won’t necessarily lower the military budget—but it will lead to increased readiness and a more effective force.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Automating the fight

Jun 17, 2022

‘Killer robots’ are coming. Is the US ready for the consequences?

By Tyson Wetzel

The decision to employ killer robots should not be feared—but it must be well thought-out and meticulously debated.

Conflict Defense Technologies

Automating the fight

May 13, 2022

What does the future of autonomous warfare look like? Four critical questions, answered.

By Forward Defense experts

Experts from the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security’s Forward Defense practice break down how these autonomous systems will shape the future of battle.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Public Event Tue, May 17, 2022 • 8:45 am ET

NEXUS 22: A symposium at the intersection of defense, national security, and autonomy

Nexus 22 is a symposium by Applied Intuition, in collaboration with the Atlantic Council, which brings together senior leaders such as Michèle Flournoy, Marc Andreessen, Chris Lynch, and Mike Brown to discuss issues at the intersection of national security, defense, and autonomy.

China Defense Industry Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Former fellow

John B. Barranco

2021-22 Senior US Marine Corps Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Americas Iraq

Fellow

August Cole

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Margarita Konaev

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict Defense Technologies

Staff

Alyxandra Marine

Assistant Director

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Crisis Management Defense Policy

Former staff

Christian Trotti

Former Assistant Director, Forward Defense

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Former fellow

Daniel Vardiman

2021-22 Senior US Navy Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict Intelligence

Fellow

Tyson Wetzel

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Europe & Eurasia Indo-Pacific

Forward Defense, housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, generates ideas and connects stakeholders in the defense ecosystem to promote an enduring military advantage for the United States, its allies, and partners. Our work identifies the defense strategies, capabilities, and resources the United States needs to deter and, if necessary, prevail in future conflict.

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