Modern warfare is now defined by a massive flood of data from satellites and drones. This ‘data deluge’ is far too large for human analysts to process in real time. To solve this, the US and Israel reportedly used AI systems against Iran. These tools can apparently automatically identify targets and detect movement patterns that signal an upcoming attack. This ‘machine-speed’ rhythm provides a decisive edge by letting commanders focus on strategy instead of raw data. However, this technological advantage comes with serious risks and physical limits. According to some analysis, AI is often easy to fool with simple decoys, smoke or clever camouflage.
More importantly, these systems lack the human-level nuance needed to tell civilians apart from combatants in crowded cities. Because many AI models function as ‘black boxes’, they provide lethal recommendations without explaining their logic. This creates a dangerous transparency gap for military leaders. Relying on opaque math in life-or-death situations risks an uncontrollable escalation that moves faster than human moral oversight.
Anwar Sayab Khan
Peshawar
