The Pentagon wants AI to enhance the capabilities of US nuclear weapons systems [Video]

A hot potato: The US is one of several countries that previously declared it would always keep control of nuclear weapons in the hands of humans, not AI. But the Pentagon isn’t averse to using artificial intelligence to “enhance” nuclear command, control, and communications systems, worryingly.

Late last month, US Strategic Command leader Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton said the command was “exploring all possible technologies, techniques, and methods to assist with the modernization of our NC3 capabilities.”

Several AI-controlled military weapon systems and vehicles have been developed in the last few years, including fighter jets, drones, and machine guns. Their use on the battlefield raises concerns, so the prospect of AI, which still makes plenty of mistakes, being part of a nuclear weapons system feels like the nightmarish stuff of Hollywood sci-fi.

Cotton tried to alleviate those fears …