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

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

As warfare is increasingly dictated by machines, critical questions around strategy, technology, and morality arise at every turn. But there’s one thing we know for sure: There’s no reversing the rise of autonomous systems.

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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Applied Intuition

Commentary & analysis

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

Dive in deeper

Public Event Tue, May 17, 2022 • 12:45 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

Event Recap

May 25, 2022

Nexus 22 in review

By Alyxandra Marine, Caroline Steel, Christian Trotti

On May 17, 2022, the Scowcroft Center’s Forward Defense practice collaborated with Applied Intuition to host Nexus 22, a symposium at the intersection of autonomy, defense, and national security. The symposium addressed and answered key questions on the future of autonomous systems in competition, deterrence, and warfare.

China Defense Industry

In the news

In the News

May 17, 2022

Trotti in the National Interest on drones

By Atlantic Council

Christian Trotti recommends that the US military heavily invests in drone technology.

Defense Technologies Drones

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Content

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