AI cruise control: China wants high-level artificial intelligence for next-gen missiles
China is looking to create a new generation of cruise missiles, which will have a high level of artificial intelligence, according to a senior designer from China’s Aerospace and Industry Corp. The missiles will be multifunctional and could also reduce costs.
The Chinese military is looking to adapt its technology with the belief that future combat missions will require weapons to be both cost-efficient and flexible. They will also be based on a modular design, which will allow the missiles to be configured in regards to what mission they will be carrying out.
“We plan to adopt a ‘plug and play’ approach in the development of new cruise missiles, which will enable our military commanders to tailor-make missiles in accordance with combat conditions and their specific requirements,” Wang Changqing of the China Aerospace and Industry Corp told China Daily newspaper.
He added that Chinese engineers had been researching the use of artificial intelligence in cruise missiles for a number of years and that the country was the world leader in this field. However, he did not produce any evidence to back up his claims.
Wang added that the new generation of missiles will give the Chinese military a number of new options when placed in combat situations.
“Moreover, our future cruise missiles will have a very high level of artificial intelligence and automation,” he told China Daily. “They will allow commanders to control them in a real-time manner, or to use a fire-and-forget mode, or even to add more tasks to in-flight missiles.
