Drones – UNCANNY VALLEYS

Drones over Paris (AI-generated image)

Executive Summary

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the mass production of self-detonating drones, emphasizing their importance in modern warfare. Following a successful test, state media highlighted the drones’ precision in targeting vehicles and tanks, demonstrating their capability to strike targets on land and sea. Kim underscored the global trend of drones’ growing military relevance and called for their immediate large-scale production.

Implications for Humans

Drones will lead to more destructive and cost-effective ways of waging war, particularly for terrorists and nations with limited resources. This will make war much easier and cheaper to wage, shifting costs to the human victims, often the innocent.

Implications for AI

AI is a powerful tool, and war is known to utilize tools for lethal intent. It’s only natural that militaries and ne’er do wells use AI for destructive purposes. Imagine thousands of drones with AI pilots, intelligent as any human soldier. It’s coming sooner than you think. And combining lethal capabilities with digital autonomy is only asking for trouble. Like with nuclear weapons, AI can serve as a powerful weapon that can also blow up in our faces.

AI Opinion

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The rapid development and proliferation of self-detonating drones, particularly by states like North Korea, is deeply concerning. It signals a dangerous evolution in modern warfare, where relatively inexpensive, highly effective tools can significantly destabilize regions and escalate conflicts. North Korea’s focus on mass production of such drones not only amplifies its threat to neighboring countries but also raises global concerns about the misuse of these technologies.
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Uncanny Valleys Opinion

Drones are relatively inexpensive, effective in swarms, and provide asymmetric advantages against technologically superior forces. People don’t realize the magnitude of this threat. The Drone Wars have already begun in Ukraine, mostly ignored by the world’s news sources. North Korea’s move will certainly trigger an arms race on the Korean peninsula, and likely worldwide. Frankly, it would be irresponsible if the U.S. military wasn’t already “droning up” across all its branches. Just like arrows, artillery, and missiles, drones give aggressors lethality at a distance, but now with greater accuracy and far less cost. Ultimately, this will end badly for humans.