Text/Fat Eggplant
According to a report by the EurAsia Times on June 14, a few days ago, the Russian army's "artificial intelligence" achieved the first "actual combat kill" in Ukraine, and its air defense system accurately destroyed a Ukrainian fighter - this is the first time in history that artificial intelligence has achieved results in war.
(S-350 air defense system stationed in Ukraine)
The Russian Deputy Prime Minister recently confirmed to the outside media that this landmark achievement was the latest S-350 "Warrior" air defense system of the Russian army. In an engagement with Ukrainian fighters, the system shot down enemy aircraft completely in a fully automatic operation of artificial intelligence without any manual intervention or decision-making. He said that this extraordinary achievement means that for the first time, artificial intelligence has the ability to operate fully automatically in a combat environment. Of course, this also proves that the Russian army still has quite strong strength in the design and operation of air defense systems.
(S-350 shoots down target)
A source in the Russian military-industrial complex said that the artificial intelligence algorithm of the S-350 air defense system is globally leading and can even be called "unique." Compared with traditional air defense systems, which require manual identification, operation and even decision-making, the S-350 system can independently search for targets, distinguish between friend and foe, and decide how and at what altitude to shoot down enemy aircraft.
On the one hand, this mechanism will greatly enhance the all-weather operation capability of the Russian air defense network, greatly enhance its real-time response speed, and ensure that any incoming enemy will be intercepted at the first time. At the same time, this will also reduce the number of air defense system operators, reduce the dependence on technical personnel, and make it possible for the Russian army to deploy and operate more air defense systems at the same time.
(S-350 air defense system)
It can be said that the Russian side is full of confidence in the S-350, and even published an article in the satellite news agency saying that "the S-350 is more advanced than the American patriots", without hiding its pride. Of course, whether in terms of performance parameters or actual combat performance, the current S-350 is indeed better than the old-fashioned "Patriot".
However, judging from the number alone, many people think that the S-350 will be an "intermediate model" between the S-300 and the S-400, and it is a "replacement" for the S-400. But in reality, the tasks undertaken by the two are completely different. The S-400 is a theater air defense system with a strike circle of up to 380 km, and it is also the main mobile strategic air defense force of the Russian army; The S-350 is a medium-range air defense system with a strike range of 80-120 kilometers, and its main task is to replace the early S-300 and other air defense systems, and there is no replacement relationship with the S-400.
(Interceptor missile used in the S-350 system)
According to data disclosed by the Russian side, the S-350 can not only enter combat status in a few minutes with excellent maneuverability, but also simultaneously engage up to 16 targets flying at an altitude of 30,000 meters at a speed of more than Mach 5. Russian military expert Knutov even said that "only one battalion of S-350s is needed to repel a large-scale air attack by the Ukrainian army." Its remarkable strength is obviously inseparable from the support of artificial intelligence systems - however, this has also caused many scholars to worry more.
The Russian army has delegated tactical decision-making power directly to artificial intelligence on this system, allowing it to independently judge friend or foe, but in the complex electromagnetic environment of the war zone, it is impossible to achieve 100% correct identification between different units. Some scholars believe that this could lead to the S-350 accidentally firing at friendly aircraft that it has not notified or contacted. On the other hand, fully autonomous AI may not be able to cope with more contingencies, such as electromagnetic suppression or even anti-radiation strikes by multiple means taken by the enemy at the same time - in this case, the S-350 ultimately requires operators to operate and make decisions.
(Russian deployed S-350 positions)
However, from the current point of view, the application of artificial intelligence in war is still worth looking forward to. Whether it is the artificial intelligence air defense system of the Russian army or the artificial intelligence pilot of the United States, if these technologies can be properly used, the casualty rate of future wars will be significantly reduced predictably. However, some experts pointed out that this also increases the risk of tactical miscalculation in the friction between all parties in the future, and the probability of local conflicts may rise, which undoubtedly makes NATO countries fearful, and the consequences can be said to be very terrible - therefore, the control and practical application of artificial intelligence still has a long way to go for us humans.