Recent claims made by the head of Russia’s technology development for its Defense Ministry have sparked debate among experts regarding Moscow's position in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) race. Gen. Vasily Elistratov asserted that Russia is 'ahead' of its foreign partners in AI development, despite facing attempts to isolate the country at a technical level.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has intensified the AI race, with Kyiv, Moscow, and NATO nations striving to enhance their AI capabilities for military applications. Russian President Vladimir Putin has long emphasized the importance of AI, stating in 2017 that 'Whoever leads in AI will rule the world.' Russia has shown significant growth in its AI market, with an 18% increase in 2022 alone.
Moscow has allocated substantial funds for AI investment, with $54 million earmarked in its 2024 budget. However, this amount pales in comparison to the $1.8 billion allocated by the U.S. for AI in its defense budgets for 2024 and 2025.
Despite Russia's efforts, experts like Rebekah Koffler have expressed skepticism about Moscow's lead in AI development. Koffler highlighted the differing approaches of the U.S. and Russia towards AI, with the U.S. focusing on technological advancement while Moscow also emphasizes AI for psychological warfare.
Koffler pointed out Russia's use of disinformation campaigns and propaganda to influence populations, a tactic not commonly employed by the U.S. She noted that AI could enhance the speed and impact of spreading disinformation.
While the U.S. has integrated AI technologies in warfare, maintaining human oversight remains crucial for responsible AI use. The role of human decision-making in AI deployment on the battlefield is a key consideration for the U.S. and its allies.
Furthermore, comparisons with China, a significant player in AI development, suggest that Russia may be closer to China in AI advancements than to the U.S. Despite likely outpacing allies like Iran and North Korea, Russia's exact position in the global AI race remains a subject of debate among experts.
