On July 2, the Ministry of Defense adopted its first basic policy for promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
The Ministry of Defense stated that they will plan to reduce the burden on SDF’s members and manpower by utilizing AI in order to maintain the SDF’s system despite a declining population. The ministry will also plan to use AI effectively in seven fields, including the detection and identification of targets using radar and satellite images.
The basic policy, which is called the “Basic Policy for the Promotion of AI Utilization”, states that it is pointed out that AI would decide aspect of warfare in the near future considering efforts by the U.S. and Chinese militaries to utilize AI. This also stated that it is urgent to respond to a “new way of fighting” involving space, cyber, and electromagnetic waves in addition to land, sea, and air and operate personnel efficiently. It is also pointed out that we are now at a crossroads whether we are falling behind and becoming an inefficient, old-fashioned organization or not.
It also recognized that AI also carries risks of error and bias and emphasized that what AI does is support for human decisions, and human involvement should be ensured.
The seven areas in which AI will be used mostly are: (1) target detection and identification; (2) collection and analysis of information from the Internet and radio waves; (3) decision support for commanders; (4) logistics support such as supply and maintenance; (5) control of unmanned vehicles; (6) improvement of cyber security capabilities; and (7) efficiency of administration work.
On the same day, the Ministry of Defense also announced a “comprehensive strategy to recruit and train personnel specialized in cyberspace.” The ministry plans to establish a new examination category for cyber in the Ground Self-Defense Force on the premise of being assigned to Cyber Defense Command which will begin accepting applications in fiscal 2025. The ministry also plans to double the number of GSDF students enrolled in the cyber education program at the GSDF High Technical School in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, from 30 to 60 by the same fiscal year.
“AI and cyber can be technologies to overcome challenges such as declining population.” Defense Minister Minoru Kihara stated at a press conference after the cabinet meeting.
Background Information:
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20240702-OYT1T50063/
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240702/k10014499081000.html
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240702/k00/00m/010/168000c
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGKKZO81814380S4A700C2PD0000/
https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/337383
https://sp.m.jiji.com/article/show/3275141
This article was originally posted on NSBT Japan, the first defense and security industry network in Japan. The publication provides the latest information on security business trends both within Japan and overseas. Asian Military Review began exchanging articles with NSBT Japan in April 2024.
Read the original article here.
