Geoffrey Hinton Says Ukraine War Has Made Military AI Use 'More Complicated' While He Remains Uneasy
The computer scientist told NBC News that drones have made Ukraine's defense possible and that refusing AI weapons is now harder to justify. He remains uneasy about the technology's battlefield role.
Geoffrey Hinton told NBC News that Russia's war in Ukraine has changed how he thinks about the use of artificial intelligence on the battlefield. "I think it's more complicated than I used to think," Hinton said in an interview published Tuesday. He has for years warned against military applications of AI and previously pushed for an international ban on lethal autonomous weapons.
"I used to think that we should try very hard to prevent lethal autonomous weapons, but if you look at what's happening in Ukraine, it becomes much more complicated," Hinton said. Hinton said the pivotal role of drones, including AI-enabled ones, in Ukraine's defense against Russian forces made him more receptive to the military use of the technology.
"Ukraine is surviving because of drones," he said.
Ukraine has used AI-powered drones against Russian targets. Its defense relies on the large and constant production of munitions, including drones that are largely piloted and directed by humans. " Hinton was unavailable for further comment, his assistant told Business Insider in an email.
Last week, President Donald Trump signed a directive aimed at accelerating the development and use of AI for national security purposes. " "When adopted appropriately, AI can help protect warfighters, enable precise operations that minimize harm to civilians, and ensure the United States maintains technical overmatch against adversaries," the memorandum states.
