The U.S. military is testing missiles that can steer themselves with artificial intelligence

The U.S. military is testing missiles that can steer themselves with artificial intelligence
(Image credit: Screenshot/New York Times)

The Air Force and the Navy, in collaboration with weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin, are testing missiles that can steer themselves and choose their own targets using a form of artificial intelligence, according to an eye-opening report from The New York Times. U.S. officials deny that the missiles are so-called "autonomous weapons" — i.e. free of human guidance and control — but experts disagree.

The report sheds light on the growing autonomous weapons industry, which could change warfare as we know it. From the Times:

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Ryu Spaeth

Ryu Spaeth is deputy editor at TheWeek.com. Follow him on Twitter.