In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, Palmer Luckey, the founder of Anduril Industries, is sounding the alarm over potential restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications. During a recent talk at Pepperdine University, Luckey made it clear that the US and its allies must embrace AI to counter adversaries like Russia and China that are already leveraging this technology.
The Dangers of AI Restrictions
Luckey, whose company is valued at $14 billion, expressed deep concern about the implications of restricting AI in military contexts. He argued that the West could be placing itself at a significant disadvantage. According to him:
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Adversaries are Advancing: “Evil people,” as he termed them, are utilising AI technologies while Western powers may be handcuffing themselves.
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Manipulation at the UN: Luckey pointed out a “shadow campaign” at the United Nations aimed at persuading Western nations to shun AI for weapons and defence.
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Moral Dilemmas: He questioned the morality of resorting to less precise weaponry that could lead to more collateral damage when AI could provide targeted solutions.
He stated, “What is the moral victory in being forced to use larger bombs with more collateral damage because we are not allowed to use systems that can penetrate past Russian or Chinese jamming systems and strike precisely?”
A Call to Action for the West
Luckey’s remarks extended to the ignorance he perceives among European nations regarding the capabilities of their adversaries. He emphasised:
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Future Threats: Countries like Iran are set to acquire advanced AI technologies, putting Western nations at a disadvantage.
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The Importance of AI for Good: “You need the good people to have AI. You don’t want the bad people to have AI but they are going to have it,” he asserted.
This stark warning underscores the urgent need for the West to not only develop but also deploy advanced technologies in military settings to ensure national security.
Anduril Industries: A Leader in Defence Tech
Founded in 2017, Anduril Industries has quickly risen to prominence as one of Silicon Valley’s leading defence tech startups. Luckey, previously known for founding Oculus VR, has successfully pivoted from virtual reality to advanced military technology.
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Government Contracts: By 2019, Anduril had secured contracts with various Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security agencies.
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Innovative Products: The company is known for its autonomous technologies, including sentry towers along the US-Mexico border and Altius-600M attack drones, which have been supplied to Ukraine.
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AI Platform: All of Anduril’s technologies operate autonomously on its proprietary AI platform, called Lattice.
Luckey has indicated that Anduril aims to go public soon, highlighting the growing importance and market potential of military tech.
Silicon Valley’s Military Advocacy
Luckey is part of a broader movement within Silicon Valley that advocates for the use of advanced technologies in military applications. This includes voices like Alex Karp, the CEO of Palantir, who has openly supported Western military efforts despite facing scrutiny over the ethical implications of their work.
Karp has stated, “We have a consistently pro-Western view that the West has a superior way of living and organizing itself,” reinforcing the belief that technology should serve to protect democratic values.
Conclusion: The Need for Urgency
The conversation surrounding AI in military applications is more critical than ever. With adversaries leveraging advanced technologies, the US and its allies cannot afford to fall behind. As Palmer Luckey pointed out, the need for “good people” to wield AI is not just a moral argument; it is a strategic necessity.
If we fail to embrace these advancements, we may find ourselves not just at a tactical disadvantage but potentially facing dire consequences in the ongoing global power struggle.
