The United States is developing a tank system called the Future Combat System (FCS). It would be equipped with smart munitions, laser cannons, and multi-purpose missiles. It would also come with enhanced surveillance. It would eventually be completely digital and autonomous of the logistics supply chain. The FCS would combine all of the military's arms into one. Its future use will require major changes to doctrine, command, control, and inter-service relations.
Future of warfare will be a hybrid of industrial age and knowledge based warfare
The technology world is changing at an astonishing rate in the 21st century. The tools for warfare are constantly evolving, from AI, robotics, nano and bio-technologies to computing and process. These technologies may be used in a variety different ways, including for guerilla attacks or the use of precision weaponsry. Armed non-state actors will continue to be attracted to military weaponry through state sponsorship, black-market arms sales, and looting. Also, destructive weapons will be made from commercial technologies. Some could be used as crude weapon of mass destruction while others may be used to build cyber- and bio-women.
New technologies are constantly evolving and could be used against the United States. Cyberspace has become a powerful tool to terrorists and criminal organisations. It is possible that this could happen. The ability of non-state actors to access such new technologies allows them to pursue weaponization without public disapproval. You can also expect military experimentation to take place in areas like human augmentation.
Lethal autonomous weapons could roam the battlefield
Artificial intelligence has allowed for fully autonomous lethal weapons, which would eliminate human control over the use of deadly force. Medical professionals have long opposed the creation of lethal weapons. They advocate total bans on nuclear and chemical weapons. Non-governmental organizations also support a legal ban on autonomous weapons. The medical community has not been a major voice in the debate about autonomous weapons.
Some nations have already begun exploring the use of artificial intelligence in their weapons. These nations argue that artificial intelligence could be used to better target enemy fighters and deactivate them when they're not on target. It also reduces the risks associated with intensive attacks. Activists have called for the United Nations ban on lethal autonomous weapons.
Cost of crewed alternatives for autonomous weapons
The cost of autonomous weapons is a major concern. As autonomous weapons do not require human lives and can be mass produced, they should be cheaper than manned guns. Also, defensive autonomous weapons should cost less than offensive weapons. Since defensive autonomous weapons may not require mobility, they may be more affordable than offensive ones. These weapons may be used in greater numbers by defending states to impose higher prices on the attacking states.
An autonomous weapon could be used to reduce the number of soldiers required, thereby reducing the cost of human troops. While fully autonomous weapons remain decades away, there is already a variety of precursors that are similar to them. Some militaries are even developing drone swarms for the purpose of attacking enemy air defences. These drones are affordable and can overwhelm defenses, which ensures the safety of manned airplanes. However, autonomous weapons' net effect may depend on several factors like the importance of the application or the reliability and effectiveness of the system.
Proliferation of militarily important technologies
International security is at risk due to the proliferation and use of relevant militarily-relevant technology. These technologies can be used for offensive purposes, which could lead to conflict or even a nuclear accident. Several of these technologies have been used in the development of military systems, such as missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
WMD proliferation is a major threat to the United States of America and to global peace and safety. North Korea is not the only country that seeks nuclear weapons. Other nations also have sophisticated ballistic rockets and continue proliferating them to terrorist organizations and regional proxies. Russia and China also have rapidly developing arsenals and are increasingly providing advanced weapons to their partners in various regions.