AI systems used in deadly military operations in Israel: Report

As tensions rise in the occupied territories and with Iran, the Israel Defense Forces are reportedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to choose targets for air strikes and manage logistics during the war.

According According to a Bloomberg report, Israeli military officials confirmed the use of an artificial intelligence recommendation system by the military. This system reportedly analyzes large amounts of data to aid in targeting for airstrikes. Additionally, Fire Factory, another AI model, reportedly quickly assembles subsequent raids by calculating ammunition loads, prioritizing and assigning targets, and proposing a schedule based on military-approved data.

The AI โ€‹โ€‹finds Widespread applications in major industries. One such application is automation, where AI technologies streamline repetitive tasks, improving overall efficiency and productivity. Additionally, AI algorithms enable large-scale data analysis, identify patterns, and provide crucial insights for informed decision-making.

Screenshot of the Fire Factory software. Source: Bloomberg

Despite human operators monitoring and approving individual targets and airstrike plans, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) official confirmed that the technology used in these systems lacks international or state regulation.

Supporters argue that advanced algorithms have the potential to surpass human capabilities and help minimize casualties. However, the critics caution against potential hazards associated with an increasing reliance on autonomic systems, highlighting the life-threatening consequences.

In the report, it is stated that the IDF has extensively employed AI and increasingly implemented these systems in various units to establish itself as a world leader in autonomous weaponry. Israeli defense contractors have reportedly built some of these systems, while others, such as the military-developed StarTrack border control cameras, use thousands of hours of footage to identify people and objects.

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Although details about the IDF's use of AI in operations are classified, military officials confirm that the IDF has gained battlefield experience with these controversial systems during periodic escalations in the Gaza Strip. The region often witnesses Israeli airstrikes in response to rocket attacks.

Experts are reportedly emphasizing the potential to reduce civilian casualties through the integration of AI into battlefield systems. Simona R. Soare of the International Institute for Strategic Studies noted that the correct use of AI technologies can offer significant efficiency and effectiveness benefits, with the potential to achieve high accuracy when the technological parameters work correctly.

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