Japan’s Defense Ministry on Tuesday unveiled its first-ever basic policy to promote the use of artificial intelligence as it seeks to respond to changes in defense operations brought about by technological advances.
Also aimed at streamlining the ministry’s work, the plan focuses on seven areas, such as detection and identification of military targets, command and control and logistical support.
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara holds a news conference in Tokyo on July 2, 2024. (Kyodo)
Noting that foreign nations are working on using AI, the government document says it “could determine the situation of conflicts in the near future, as has been emphasized.”
The use of AI would also improve the speed of combat operations, reduce human error and promote labor savings through automation, the policy said.
Other areas covered include information gathering and analysis, unmanned defenses, cybersecurity and workplace efficiency.
The policy, however, stressed that AI has limitations, especially in unprecedented situations, as it learns from past data. It also highlighted that concerns remain about its credibility and misuse.
The ministry also presented on the same day a strategic policy aimed at securing human resources with cybersecurity expertise, saying it would start recruiting such personnel under an independent category in fiscal year 2025 starting next April.
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said at a news conference that Japan’s ability to adapt to “new forms of combat” using AI and cyber technologies “has become a big challenge for us in strengthening our defense capabilities.”
“We will deepen cooperation with the private sector and relevant foreign agencies by proactively conveying the Defense Ministry’s viewpoint,” Kihara said.
He also stressed the importance of accurately recognizing the risks associated with the use of AI and taking steps to address its shortcomings.
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