Japan Defense Ministry Stresses Importance of AI Use

Tokyo, Sept. 4 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Defense Ministry on Friday underscored the importance of the Self-Defense Forces expanding the use of artificial intelligence, citing the results of its analysis of the ongoing conflict between the U.S.-Israeli camp and Iran. The ministry said that a new way of fighting, which combines numerous drones and AI in a complex way, has taken root, stressing that the SDF must take measures in order not to fall behind the speed of the U.S. military’s decision-making. This conclusion will be reflected in a planned revision by year-end of the government’s three key national security-related documents. According to the analysis, the U.S. military, by using AI to select targets and means of attack in its fighting with Iran, is increasing the speed of decision-making and drastically improving the efficiency of its operations. Iran is countering with massive drones. Also by utilizing measures such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for Middle East crude oil, Tehran is staging asymmetric warfare against the United States, according to the ministry. An official of the ministry warned that Japan-U.S. cooperation would be difficult if the SDF cannot keep up with the U.S. military. The ministry emphasized the need for making maximum use of AI while maintaining human involvement. Japan should also expand domestic production of defense equipment and strengthen cooperation with allied and like-minded countries, it said. The analysis was conducted as part of discussions by a ministry panel for reinforcing Japan’s defense capabilities, in the lead-up to the planned update of the security documents. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]