// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Algorithmic Warfare
Algorithmic warfare involves using artificial intelligence and advanced computer programs to improve military operations, such as analyzing intelligence, making decisions faster, and controlling autonomous systems. Its goal is to gain an advantage by automating complex tasks and processing large amounts of data at speed.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Algorithmic Warfare (AW) specifically denotes the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and sophisticated algorithms across military domains to achieve decisive operational and information advantage, encompassing enhanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), precision targeting, logistical optimization, and autonomous command and control (C2) functionalities via rapid data analysis.
BACKGROUND
AI warfare refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to automate military operation and enhance or bypass human decision-making in armed conflicts. AI is used to rapidly analyze large volumes of military intelligence data, including making recommendations or decisions on who and what to target. Abdul-Rahman al-Rawi, a 20-year-old student, was the first acknowledged civilian killed by AI-assisted airstrike in a U.S. strike in Iraq in 2024. In 2026, the U.S. declared it would become an 'AI-first' warfighting force. Husain et al (2018) coined the term hyperwar to refer to warfare which is algorithmic or controlled by artificial intelligence, with little to no human decision-making.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- AI warfare
- AI-enabled warfare
- Machine intelligence warfare
- Automated warfare
- Cognitive warfare
- Data-driven warfare
USAGE NOTE
This term is a critical concept in modern defense strategy, often linked with ethical considerations, human-in-the-loop debates, and the development of future autonomous weapon systems.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Algorithmic Warfare.
DARPA is a U.S. government agency responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military. They fund and manage projects directly related to AI, autonomy, and decision-making algorithms that are central to algorithmic warfare concepts, including projects like AI Next and OFFSET.
Palantir provides data integration and AI platforms that are used by various government agencies, intelligence communities, and military forces for critical decision-making, predictive analysis, and operational intelligence, directly supporting algorithmic warfare capabilities.
As a major global security and aerospace company, Lockheed Martin is deeply involved in developing AI and machine learning for various military applications, including autonomous systems, command and control, intelligence fusion, and predictive maintenance, all contributing to algorithmic warfare.
Anduril specializes in AI-powered autonomous systems and software platforms for national security. Their products, such as Lattice AI, integrate sensor data and enable autonomous decision-making for surveillance, defense, and counter-drone operations, embodying algorithmic warfare.
Raytheon Technologies develops advanced AI and machine learning capabilities across its portfolio, including intelligent sensing, command and control systems, missile defense, and networked warfare, enabling algorithmic advantages in military operations.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company that develops AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics for areas like autonomous systems, cyber warfare, command and control, and intelligence gathering, all critical components of algorithmic warfare.
BAE Systems, a multinational defense, security, and aerospace company, is investing heavily in AI and machine learning to develop next-generation capabilities for intelligent platforms, electronic warfare, and information advantage, crucial for algorithmic warfare scenarios.
The CDAO is the U.S. DoD's lead organization for accelerating the adoption of data, analytics, and AI. It coordinates efforts to transform the department into an AI-enabled enterprise, directly overseeing initiatives vital to the implementation of algorithmic warfare strategies.