Japan gov't eyes AI for Self-Defense Forces, stresses humans will have final control
TOKYO -- The Japanese government has started considering incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into the command and control systems of Self-Defen
Japan's government is exploring the potential of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) command and control systems. The objective is to facilitate quicker and more precise decision-making by rapidly processing and analyzing data to assist commanders' judgments in various aspects such as battlefield assessment and target selection.
The government aims to swiftly develop these systems utilizing existing overseas technologies, including U.S.-made AI, alongside bolstering domestically developed AI technology, and utilizing them in tandem.
The budget proposal for fiscal 2027 includes an item request for the Defense Ministry, although no specific budget figure has been disclosed. The plan is anticipated to be detailed in the nation's three security-related documents, scheduled for revision by the end of the year. This would mark the initial instance of AI implementation in the SDF's command and control systems.
An AI-based decision-support system will be created at the Joint Operations Command, which centrally coordinates the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces. One possible candidate for this system is the Maven Smart System, developed by the U.S. data analytics firm Palantir Technologies Inc. Its primary strength lies in its capability to amalgamate and scrutinize extensive data collected from satellites and other sources, promptly identifying which targets should be targeted.
In addition, Japan is contemplating the creation of an AI orchestrator, a platform designed to integrate and utilize multiple AI systems while preserving AI sovereignty—the capacity to independently select and operate AI without excessive reliance on any single country or corporation. Sakana Fugu, a domestic startup developed by Sakana AI, is regarded as a leading candidate for this role.
This AI command center specializes in orchestrating the coordination of multiple AI systems and selecting the most suitable one based on the complexity and confidentiality level of the task at hand.
To bolster AI integration, the government intends to establish a Defense Ministry cloud capable of managing highly sensitive information and a resilient communications network, ensuring stability even in the face of communication disruptions during contingencies or disasters. Furthermore, the government plans to employ AI in various domains, including the identification and recognition of targets by the SDF, the gathering and analysis of satellite intelligence, and logistical support such as predicting demand for supplies.
The government aims to use AI to alleviate the burden on personnel and promote staff streamlining and labor-saving efforts.
However, concerns have arisen regarding the military application of AI, including the potential for AI to misidentify targets and the unclear responsibility for its decisions. A senior Defense Ministry official acknowledged the benefits of AI use when considering the need to fight with fewer weapons while minimizing expenditure. They emphasized that the ethical implications depend on how AI is utilized, reinforcing that humans will always retain ultimate control.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
