AI warfare

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the creation of a new four-star command, informally dubbed AutoWarCom, dedicated to autonomous warfare. The command, reported by Military Times, will oversee the Pentagon's push into unmanned and AI-driven combat systems. The announcement is drawing attention and debate over the military's accelerating automation of weapons.

A segment from Democracy Now! titled "Valley of Death" examines Big Tech's role in AI warfare and alleges a secret deal between the CIA and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The piece is drawing wide attention, with viewers discussing the claims about intelligence agencies' ties to Silicon Valley and the military origins of consumer technology.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has given an interview discussing how artificial intelligence is reshaping warfare, with a focus on Ukraine's ability to innovate under wartime pressure and the lessons this holds for Europe's defence. Readers are sharing the conversation as a thought-provoking look at where technology and conflict may be heading next.

A piece in the Asia-Pacific Journal series, published via the Lieber Institute at West Point, argues that while a new treaty governing military artificial intelligence is legally necessary, achieving one in practice is highly improbable. The analysis examines the gap between the de jure case for regulating AI in warfare and the political and technical obstacles that make agreement unlikely.

The US military intends to accelerate the deployment of drones and artificial intelligence in warfare, and Congress is weighing safeguards to govern that expansion. Lawmakers are examining what limits, oversight and safety rules should accompany the faster integration of autonomous systems on the battlefield, as the Pentagon moves to adopt the technologies more aggressively.

Airbus is being discussed in connection with the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie combat drone and the German Luftwaffe, with talk centring on collaborative combat and the use of artificial intelligence in future air warfare. Commenters frame it as a European, and specifically German, step toward integrating AI-driven unmanned wingmen alongside crewed fighter aircraft in defence planning.

Infinity Ward, the studio behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, is presenting DMZ as the franchise's definitive extraction shooter experience and positioning it as a major pillar of the series alongside its traditional multiplayer. The mode blends large-scale exploration, AI enemies and high-stakes loot retrieval, marking a notable genre expansion for the long-running shooter.

Discussion is centering on the YFQ-48A, tagged as a combat drone designed for autonomous flight with artificial intelligence, within military aviation and defense circles. Posts in French and English link it to broader debates on AI-enabled warfare and the future of manned-unmanned military aviation. Details beyond its classification as an autonomous combat aircraft remain limited in the circulating coverage.

The International Peace Institute argues the UN Security Council is not equipped to address the risks of artificial intelligence in warfare. In a Global Observatory analysis, it points to the Council's slow decision-making, lack of technical expertise and political divisions as reasons it lags behind rapidly developing military AI applications, calling for urgent adaptation to prevent destabilising consequences.

A new analysis examines how generative and agentic AI are transforming influence operations, giving state and non-state actors cheaper tools to produce persuasive content at scale and automate persuasion campaigns. The piece argues these capabilities shift power dynamics in information warfare, lowering barriers to coordinated manipulation while making detection harder for platforms, governments and civil society defenders.

Ukraine is using AI-enabled robotic gun systems to counter Russian drones on the battlefield, according to a report by Daily Sabah. The automated weapons are being deployed as part of Kyiv's efforts to defend against persistent drone attacks. The development highlights how artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping modern warfare between the two countries.

The US military has established a new four-star command dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence in warfare. The move signals a significant institutional commitment to integrating AI technologies into military operations and strategy. Details on the command's structure and mission remain limited, but the decision reflects growing Pentagon focus on AI as a central element of future defense capabilities.

Ukraine has developed a new strike drone capable of flying up to 600 kilometres before handing over terminal targeting to onboard artificial intelligence. The system is designed to reach deep into Russian-held territory while resisting electronic warfare jamming in the final approach, with AI completing the attack autonomously.

Journalist Sharon Weinberger discusses her work on "Valley of Death," examining the deep historical relationship between the US intelligence community and Silicon Valley, including a reported secret deal between the CIA and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The interview also covers Big Tech's growing role in AI-powered warfare and Pentagon contracting.

A new report outlines three major developments in AI governance: an international accord on artificial intelligence, the appointment of a dedicated White House AI policy czar, and the creation of a military command focused on autonomous warfare. Together they signal governments moving to coordinate AI rules while racing to militarise the technology, raising questions about oversight, accountability and international stability.

China has established new colleges within its military academies focused on artificial intelligence, drone warfare and discipline, according to the South China Morning Post. The restructuring signals Beijing's push to modernise the People's Liberation Army around emerging technologies as competition with the United States intensifies and defence planners emphasise unmanned systems and smart warfare capabilities.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced plans to cut 20% of senior military officers, including general and flag officers, while unveiling a new command focused on artificial intelligence. The move is framed as part of efforts to streamline the Pentagon's leadership structure and modernise the US military for emerging technologies and future warfare.

Ukraine's 475th Code 9.2 Regiment says its AI-enabled drones are striking Russian armored vehicles before they can reach the border of the Kharkiv region. The unit claims its drones are destroying Russian armor on a near-industrial scale. The claim highlights the growing role of autonomous targeting in Ukraine's defense against Russian advances.

The Pentagon has created a new body dubbed 'Autowarcom' aimed at expanding the US military's use of artificial intelligence and drone technology. The initiative, reported by Reuters, signals a push to accelerate autonomous and AI-enabled warfare capabilities across the armed forces as competition with rival militaries intensifies.

Ukrainian cybersecurity company Osavul has raised $10 million to expand its platform, which uses artificial intelligence to identify hybrid threats such as disinformation and coordinated influence campaigns before attacks unfold. The funding is drawing attention among those following AI-driven security tools and the growing market for countering information warfare.

German startup Armadin has raised $10 million in seed funding to develop autonomous security drones capable of operating in GPS-denied environments. The drones use computer vision and AI-based navigation instead of satellite positioning, allowing them to patrol areas where signals are jammed or unavailable. The funding comes amid growing European investment in defense and security technology, and the startup's focus on resilient navigation has drawn attention from defense and tech communities.

Ukraine's former defense minister and current minister of digital transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has announced an ambitious effort to develop autonomous battlefield robots, likened to a 'Manhattan Project'. He told Defense News he wants humanoid-like robots deployed on the battlefield within six months and an assault carried out without infantry within a year. The plan highlights Ukraine's push to lead in military AI and robotics amid the ongoing war with Russia.