Japan's government is exploring the integration of a domestically developed artificial intelligence (AI) model into the command and control system of its Self-Defense Forces. The plan involves using Japanese AI as the primary command system while connecting various other AIs, including those from the U.S., for data collection and analysis, explicitly excluding Chinese AI models. The development team will also be limited to Japanese nationals to ensure sensitive military information and systems are managed domestically.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, citing multiple government sources, the Japanese government plans to include the use of AI in the command and control of the Self-Defense Forces in three security-related documents, including a revised national security strategy, by the end of this year. If implemented, this would mark the first instance of AI being integrated into the Self-Defense Forces' command system.
Command and control refers to the process of assessing threats, developing response plans, and issuing orders. With advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles, satellites, and sensors, the ability to process vast amounts of data quickly for missile defense and other critical decisions has been identified as a key challenge for the Self-Defense Forces.
The Japanese government envisions delegating data collection, analysis, and evaluation to AI to support rapid decision-making by field commanders. Commanders will input situational data and instruct the AI on necessary tasks, which will provide decision-making materials, while the final decisions and orders will be issued by the commanders. To maintain confidentiality and economic security, the command role will be assigned to Japanese AI. The U.S. military has already integrated the 'Maven Smart System' developed by American company Palantir Technologies into its command and control operations for military actions, including those against Iran.
The leading candidate for the command role is 'Sakana Fugu,' developed by the startup Sakana AI. This command AI is characterized by its 'orchestration' function, which allows it to delegate tasks to various AIs, achieving high performance at lower costs. There are expectations that it can provide both safety and world-class performance.
Sakana AI signed a multi-year contract with the Defense Equipment Agency's Defense Innovation Science and Technology Research Institute in March to enhance the command and control system. However, during the development of Sakana Fugu, Chinese AI models were utilized, but these will be excluded from models supplied for defense purposes. Personnel involved in the development will also be limited to Japanese nationals. A government official stated to Yomiuri, "This aligns with the government's policy of emphasizing 'AI sovereignty,' ensuring that data and systems are autonomously managed without reliance on foreign entities."
On August 7, the Japanese Ministry of Defense revealed the framework for revising two of the three security documents, including the National Defense Strategy, explicitly stating its intention to enhance decision-making speed and accuracy through AI support. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party also called for establishing 'AI sovereignty' to autonomously select and operate necessary AIs in a proposal made in June. Japan is accelerating its efforts to adapt to the changing nature of warfare brought about by advanced technologies, indicating its intent to maintain control over not just weapons and equipment but also AI that assists commanders in decision-making.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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