China to Equip its Nuclear Submarines with Artificial Intelligence

China's People's Liberation Army Navy is currently set to enhance computer systems on its nuclear submarines with compatible artificial intelligence. While the technology is still in its infancy, machine learning remains an early form of AI which has been increasingly widely applied. This allows computers running nuclear submarines to work more independently, potentially without any human involvement, which will significantly lessen the burdens on commanding officers. Computers will be able to learn from experience and process information to develop new skills and new battle strategies.

Detecting objects underwater and answering signals picked up by sonar was previously carried out by naval personnel on nuclear submarines, but AI is able to take over such roles and is set to do so onboard Chinese warships. This could potentially facilitate a smaller human crew, and in time lead to drastic reductions in the number of human crew members needed to operate a warship as AI technology advances. By replacing human decisions and processing large amounts of data in a short time and in a way that mimics the human brain, AI can thus prove an invaluable asset.

System are designed to be simple and compact, minimising the risks of failing crewmembers in combat situations. An AI assistant can support commanding officers by providing and evaluating key information, such as saline levels in the ocean and how the water temperature may affect sonar systems’ accuracy. AI platforms could also see use operating other forms of military hardware. For fighter jets in particular the prospects of pilotless aircraft which lack the weaknesses of remotely operated drone platforms are highly promising. Russia and the U.S. have already indicated that future fighters are set to be developed either as pilotless platforms or with an option to be operated without a pilot. China meanwhile has reportedly already extensively modified several of its older fighter jets and turned them into remotely piloted drone attack platforms. One step further would be the development of self piloted fighters. Regarding nuclear submarines however, human control is set to remain well into the foreseeable future due to the inherent dangers of relying on AI alone to operate a nuclear arsenal, regardless of how the technology may develop.