SCMP News1 hour agoDefense1 min readChina

US and China must set rules before autonomous fighters cross paths

Rapid military AI development makes agreed limits on mission scopes, operational areas and target parameters an urgent priority

Quick Look

As the US establishes an Autonomous Warfare Command and increases funding for AI-driven military systems, experts warn that the lack of agreed-upon operational rules between the US and China increases the risk of dangerous encounters between autonomous aircraft.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

In December 2022, a Chinese J-11 fighter and a US RC-135 surveillance plane had a close encounter over the South China Sea. The US recently announced the creation of an Autonomous Warfare Command.

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In December 2022, a Chinese J-11 fighter came within metres of a US RC-135 surveillance plane over the South China Sea, according to the US military, which criticised it as an unsafe manoeuvre. China, however, held the American crew responsible and claimed the RC-135 had suddenly veered towards the Chinese jet despite repeated warnings. Both sides released video footage, yet neither accepted the other’s account of the incident.

This and other such close encounters involved human pilots. The next one may involve aircraft with no one on board.

On September 30, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans for a four-star Autonomous Warfare Command to scale up autonomous and robotic capabilities across the US military. The Pentagon has requested US$54.6 billion for accelerating the development and adoption of autonomous and unmanned systems in the 2027 financial year, up from US$225.9 million the year before.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Establishment of Autonomous Warfare Command
Very likely · Within months

Open Questions

What specific rules of engagement will govern autonomous systems?
Will China respond with a similar autonomous command structure?