Putin Brought up AI Weaponization Following the Possibility of Using Nuclear Weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin has mentioned the possibility of using nuclear weapons, and this time has officially mentioned the weaponization of artificial intelligence (AI).

According to Russia’s state-run Sputnik News Agency, President Putin announced on the 23rd (local time) that he plans to introduce AI technology to military equipment, a day before the second anniversary of the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. In a video address released on the occasion of the Russian national holiday National Guard Day, Putin said that the production capacity of Russian military defense companies has increased in recent years, adding, “The next step is to develop and manufacture more advanced military equipment and introduce AI technology into the military industry.”

There are warnings that if AI is incorporated into weapons, not only can the power of life and death be transferred from humans to machines, but the killing power can also enhanced. Putin’s mention of AI weaponization is seen as more dangerous as Russia is becoming increasingly aggressive and unstable.

Since ordering the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, President Putin has mentioned the possibility of using nuclear weapons whenever the situation is unfavorable, showing his determination to overcome crises with military power. In particular, claims have emerged from the U.S. that Russia is planning to place nuclear weapons in Earth’s orbit that could paralyze the world economy by destroying artificial satellites.

Meanwhile, as conflicts continue in various parts of the world, including Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, cases of AI weapons being used on actual battlefields are increasing. In December last year, although 150 countries supported a UN resolution expressing concern about new military technologies, including the automation of weapons systems and AI weapons, it is questionable whether it will be effective.

Putin is making efforts to showcase Russia’s military achievements. The day before, Putin, who had flown in a Tupolev Tu-160M, a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons, announced that he had delivered four Tu-160Ms to a Russian military base in Kazan.

Putin emphasized that the proportion of modern weapons and equipment in Russia’s strategic nuclear forces has reached 95%, and almost 100% in the naval component of the triad. The triad refers to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and long-range strategic bombers. Experts interpret that Putin, who is running for his fifth term in next month’s presidential election, is trying to strengthen internal unity by showcasing military achievements.