The Emerging Need to Protect Critical Infrastructure and VIPs from Weaponized AI Drone Threats

Small Wars Journal-El Centro’s Dr. Robert J. Bunker brings decades of research on cartel warfare, criminal insurgency, third-generation gangs, emerging technologies, and transnational organized crime to his work for The Soufan Center, The Emerging Need to Protect Critical Infrastructure and VIPs from Weaponized AI Drone Threats. His analysis connects evolving criminal capabilities with their implications for homeland security, military operations, law enforcement, and United States national security policy.

Read Dr. Bunker’s latest work for The Soufan Center to gain expert insight into these threats that are shaping the contemporary security environment.

Bottom Line Up Front

• Generative Artificial Intelligence (GEN-AI), when used for malicious and criminal purposes, is predominately recognized for its analytical, mission planning, and propaganda value.
• GEN-AI now also offers coding capability to extremists, terrorists, and insurgents, which provides them with PHY-AI capabilities that can translate into drone (and robot) weaponization.
• Weaponized consumer drones can increasingly be created with advanced facial and object targeting capabilities which would allow them to be launched as ‘fire and forget’ weapons directed at CI and VIPs.
• A synthesis of C-UAS and C-AI will be required to deter, respond to, and mitigate this emerging threat.