Pentagon to accelerate modernization of its technology arm

The new Pentagon AI chief, Craig Martell, said he intends to accelerate the department’s technological modernization. Bloomberg reports.

According to him, his first day at the Department of Defense was “staggering.” The head of the office noted that he does not seek to reform the department in its entirety.

“My goal is to show that with the right cultural changes we can have a truly significant impact,” Martell said.

He added that criticism from former senior officials was “mostly correct.”

Earlier, a number of senior officials left the Pentagon’s technology division and voiced disappointment at the slow pace of change. Some cited concerns that China, which invests heavily in artificial intelligence, could surpass the United States’ defense capabilities.

Martell said that his office would also work on “responsible AI.” According to the head of the department, the Pentagon must have reliable ethical principles for the use of artificial intelligence in war and ensure that the deployed combat machines “will be accurate to 99.999%.”

“For me, whenever lives are at stake, people must be kept informed,” Martell emphasized.

He also expressed doubts about achieving an advanced AI such as «Skynet».

Martell took up the post as the Pentagon’s AI chief in April 2022.

In April, the U.S. military requested $29.8 million for the development of AI infrastructure.

In February, the U.S. Department of Defense signed contracts with 79 companies to supply AI technologies.

In October 2021, former Pentagon software chief Nicholas Chaillan said that China won the AI race against the United States.

A week later, the Pentagon rejected the former employee’s view.

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