Amid the ongoing Ukraine war, the Pentagon has expressed concerns over a "deepening" relationship between Russia and Iran, as evidenced by recent phone calls between their leaders. Additionally, claims by Russia's AI development chief that Moscow is "ahead" in the AI race are being disputed by experts.
In a recent statement, Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh of the Pentagon disclosed that the Department of Defense is closely monitoring the strengthening ties between Russia and Iran. This revelation follows a series of phone calls between Russian and Iranian officials, indicating an escalating partnership. However, the Pentagon did not elaborate on the specific nature of these discussions.
Gen. Vasily Elistratov, head of Russia's Defense Ministry's AI development, asserted this week that Russia has surpassed other nations in the AI race despite attempts to isolate Moscow technologically. However, this claim has been met with skepticism by experts.
Russia and Iran's Deepening Relationship: Pentagon Raises Concerns
Rebekah Koffler, a former DIA intelligence officer and author, argues that the U.S. has likely maintained its lead in AI development. She highlights that while Russia has focused on using AI for psychological warfare, the U.S. has prioritized technological advancements.
Koffler emphasizes that the U.S. and Russia have adopted different strategies in AI development. The U.S. has emphasized technological superiority, while Russia has also explored the psychological impact of AI in warfare.
Russia and Iran's Deepening Relationship: Pentagon Raises Concerns
When comparing Moscow's AI capabilities to other nations, Gen. Elistratov likely had China in mind, a key Russian ally. China has made significant strides in AI development and is considered a formidable competitor to the U.S.
Koffler points out Russia's success in utilizing disinformation campaigns, propaganda, and digital fakes to influence public opinion. She suggests that Russia may possess an edge in decision-making technologies, which could potentially impact adversarial strategies on the battlefield.
Russia and Iran's Deepening Relationship: Pentagon Raises Concerns
Despite Russia's assertions, human oversight remains an essential aspect of AI employment in warfare, especially for Western allies. This oversight ensures responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.
The U.S. began utilizing AI during the tail end of the War on Terror in Afghanistan. This move aimed to reduce the burden on U.S. forces and enhance human intelligence networks.
Russia and Iran's Deepening Relationship: Pentagon Raises Concerns
It is unclear how human oversight will factor into the use of AI on the battlefield. However, the ethical implications of autonomous weapons systems raise concerns regarding potential harm to civilians.
While Moscow may be ahead of allies like Iran and North Korea in AI, it is more likely that Russia is on par with China in terms of AI development. China's rapid advancements in this field present a significant challenge to the U.S. and its allies.
