Geoffrey Hinton, known as the “godfather of AI,” stated that Russia’s war in Ukraine has altered his perspective on the use of artificial intelligence in military applications. Hinton expressed to NBC News that the complexities surrounding AI in warfare are greater than he previously believed. This acknowledgment comes after years of advocating for an international ban on lethal autonomous weapons.
Hinton indicated that the significant role of drones, particularly AI-enabled ones, in Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces has made him more open to military applications of AI technology. He remarked, “Ukraine is surviving because of drones,” emphasizing the challenges of arguing against their use in modern warfare.
Despite Ukraine utilizing AI-powered drones against Russian targets, Hinton noted that the country’s defense relies heavily on human oversight and the consistent production of munitions. He acknowledged the advantages of AI systems on the battlefield but described the situation as “a mess,” highlighting his ongoing concerns about the implications of using AI in warfare.
Hinton pointed out that the combat developments in Ukraine raise troubling visions of future warfare scenarios involving autonomous weaponry. He commented on the dangers of removing human decision-making from combat, suggesting that such advancements could lead to more rapid and lethal outcomes.
He emphasized the importance of public engagement and advocacy to guide the development of AI technologies responsibly. “The only thing that’s going to rein in those big AI companies is public pressure,” Hinton said, underscoring his commitment to educating the public regarding both the risks and benefits of AI.
Hinton was unavailable for further comments, according to his assistant who communicated with Business Insider. Meanwhile, over the past decade, employees at several tech companies, including Google and Microsoft, have resisted involvement in defense-related AI projects.
Last week, President Donald Trump signed a directive aimed at accelerating AI development for national security purposes. The National Security Presidential Memorandum stated that AI could be transformational for U.S. national security, suggesting that proper use could protect service members and reduce civilian harm, while maintaining a technological edge over adversaries.
The Trump administration has advocated for unrestricted AI adoption in national security. The Pentagon designated the company Anthropic as a supply chain risk after it requested that its Claude AI not be used in autonomous weapons. Furthermore, the Pentagon dismantled an office that was aimed at mitigating civilian harm in warfare.
