Military leaders warn the risks of falling behind adversaries in artificial intelligence research outweigh the potential risks of the technology.
09/16/2026 3:50 PM EDT
Pentagon leaders are racing to insert artificial intelligence into nearly every corner of the military, even as lawmakers scramble to figure out guardrails.
Defense Department officials insist any slowdown in AI development could cede control to adversaries, dismissing calls from industry leaders and members of Congress to pause and better understand the long-term ramifications of the computer systems.
That tension is playing out in real time as the Pentagon faces increasingly bold threats from China and Russia. But the military’s rush to stay ahead brings separate risks if it fails to safeguard hastily implemented AI tech.
“Winning and staying ahead in the AI race is probably one of the most important things for the United States to do, both from a military and economic security perspective,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said. “That is a race that the U.S. can’t lose.”