Weapon of Algorithms: US Accelerates Military AI Adoption But Imposes Strict Limits

The militarization of artificial intelligence is gaining a legal framework. On June 5-6, 2026, two synchronous events occurred in the US: the White House issued a directive on the accelerated integration of AI into the armed forces, and Congress introduced the `Responsible Defense AI Act`.

Washington acknowledges that delaying the military AI race with China is unacceptable. Algorithms are already rewriting the rules of logistics, reconnaissance, and cyber warfare. However, lawmakers are attempting to build a system of safeguards: the new act mandates keeping a human in the decision-making loop for lethal autonomous weapons. The Pentagon is forbidden from delegating the authorization to open fire to neural networks. Furthermore, strict barriers are introduced against using military algorithms for domestic surveillance and censorship. AI is becoming the core of national defense, but with a "handbrake" in case of unforeseen hallucinations.

Source: White House / Congress / AP / Axios