Applications of Large Models in the Military Field

Large models represent a significant advancement in the field of artificial intelligence and may become a trend and future direction for AI development. A year ago, the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI sparked a new wave of excitement in the AI community, bringing large models to the forefront and widely expanding their potential applications in the military field.

Applications of Large Models in the Military Field

(Image source: Visual China)

What is Large Model Technology?

Large models refer to deep learning or machine learning models that possess tens of millions to trillions of parameters. Generative AI uses large models to perform complex modeling of databases that include massive high-quality datasets, employing powerful computing power to estimate model parameters and identify relationships within the data. Taking ChatGPT as an example, its model architecture is generated based on natural language processing and deep learning technologies in AI, boasting 175 billion parameters. Through pre-training on vast datasets, it can learn the language rules and patterns within this data. It also utilizes a “human-in-the-loop” approach for optimization, improving content output through user interaction and feedback, thereby providing highly realistic conversational scenarios.

How are Large Models Applied in the Military Field?

Information Gathering and Threat Analysis
AI large models utilize vast amounts of data from satellite images, radar signals, and social media to fundamentally change the methods of information gathering and threat analysis. By integrating multi-source data and applying deep learning algorithms, large models can provide comprehensive battlefield understanding, efficiently identifying hidden patterns, anomalous behaviors, and potential threats, playing a key role in strategic decision-making and helping the military better understand and respond to complex security situations. Through real-time analysis and prediction, they can discover and provide critical intelligence, enabling military commanders to make informed decisions.
For example, the Palantir AI Platform (AIP) integrates large language models to facilitate operational data collaboration and action plan recommendations, providing rapid solutions for operational command and optimizing logistics management. Operators can use the AIP platform to command drones for reconnaissance, generate attack plans, and organize disruption of enemy communications using a ChatGPT-style chatbot.

Applications of Large Models in the Military Field

(Image source: Screenshot from Palantir’s official website)
Mission Planning and Optimization
In the process of mission planning and optimization, AI large models also play a crucial role. By deeply analyzing historical data, operational constraints, and real-time battlefield conditions, these models can generate optimal mission plans, including deployment strategies, resource allocation, and tactical maneuver recommendations. This powerful capability significantly reduces the planning time required for complex operations while enhancing the overall efficiency of military actions, allowing the military to adapt more flexibly and quickly to various tactical needs, ensuring the best military outcomes in complex operational environments.
For example, Scale AI’s large language model, Scale Donovan, can help operational personnel, analysts, and decision-makers accelerate their understanding, planning, and action speed regarding battlefield situations. In May 2023, the U.S. Army integrated the Scale Donovan system into the encrypted network of the 18th Airborne Corps, primarily for decision-making within that airborne unit.

Applications of Large Models in the Military Field

(Image source: Screenshot from Scale Donovan’s official website)

Development of Autonomous Weapon Systems
The U.S. military is actively developing the potential of AI large models in the field of autonomous weapon systems. These systems have the capability to make decisions and execute actions without human intervention, improving operational precision, reducing casualty risks, and expanding operational capabilities in complex environments. However, the decision-making processes of autonomous weapon systems may involve critical decisions regarding life and property, making stringent regulation and oversight essential. While ensuring national security, it is crucial to carefully weigh the relationship between technological innovation and human rights protection to avoid potential risks and misuse.
In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense updated its directive on autonomous weapon systems. The revised directive significantly expands the application of AI in the military, indicating that the U.S. military is opening the door for AI weapons.

Applications of Large Models in the Military Field

(Image source: Screenshot from the U.S. Department of Defense’s official website)

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
AI large models also play a key role in logistics and supply chain management in the military field. By comprehensively analyzing historical data, real-time inventory levels, and transportation patterns within logistics networks, large models can identify optimal supply chain routes, taking into account various factors such as terrain, operational status, and potential disruptions, ensuring that critical supplies reach the front lines in a timely manner. The military can better respond to challenges in rapidly changing and complex operational environments, ensuring the supply of necessary materials for operations. This improved efficiency and responsiveness significantly enhance the military’s ability to maintain operational capabilities and competitive advantages.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
AI large models are gradually penetrating the field of military medicine. By deeply mining medical imaging, patient data, and medical literature, AI large models can quickly and accurately identify potential disease signs and injuries, predict treatment outcomes, and recommend the most suitable treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics, achieving personalized medical services. This capability is expected to provide the military with more efficient and intelligent medical support, offering more comprehensive and advanced solutions for the health protection of military personnel.
In April 2023, officials from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio announced contracts with four technology companies to develop AI and machine learning technologies to address challenges in combat medicine triage. In July 2023, the U.S. Army Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center collaborated with Johns Hopkins University to provide virtual assistants for battlefield medical personnel and soldiers using AI, augmented reality, and robotics technology.
Cybersecurity and Defensive Operations
In the military field, protecting sensitive information and critical infrastructure is vital for national security. The importance of AI large models in cybersecurity and defensive operations is becoming increasingly prominent. These models can analyze large volumes of network traffic, identify potential suspicious behaviors, and monitor potential threats in real-time. AI large models are becoming an indispensable force in protecting military networks, data, and critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, providing a new dimension and possibilities for network defense.

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Applications of Large Models in the Military Field

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