Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, head of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), believes artificial intelligence (AI) could play a key role in enhancing the Pentagon’s nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) system.
The decades-old enterprise needs modernization to keep up with growing threats, an overwhelming flow of sensor data, and increasing cybersecurity concerns. AI will enhance our decision-making capabilities,” Cotton said at the 2024 Department of Defense Intelligence Information System Conference. He emphasized that while AI can inform leaders faster and more efficiently, it should never be allowed to make decisions independently.
We must always maintain a human decision in the loop to maximize the adoption of these capabilities and maintain our edge over our adversaries,” he added. Cotton explained that AI could provide leaders with more “decision space” to ensure the entire nuclear enterprise stays secure. Our adversaries must know that our nuclear command and control and other capabilities that provide decision advantage are at the ready, 24/7, 365, and cannot be compromised or defeated,” he said.
Despite significant efforts to modernize strategic systems like the B-21 Raider bomber, the Sentinel missile, and the Columbia-class submarines, NC3 has often been overlooked.
Enhancing Pentagon’s nuclear command
Heather Penney, a senior resident fellow at AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, pointed out that NC3 is often taken for granted because it largely operates out of sight.
“Underground cables, computers, communications links, and a few specialized aircraft and satellites are the backbone of this mission,” she said in a recent podcast. Chris Adams, general manager of Northrop Grumman’s Strategic Space Systems Division, described NC3 as “a system of systems” that includes hundreds of individual components modernized and sustained over time in response to evolving threats. Adding AI to these systems promises more speed and the ability to process vast amounts of information efficiently.
However, AI has inherent risks, including misplaced trust, “poisoned” data, and inaccurate algorithms. Cotton acknowledged these pitfalls but sees more significant promise overall. “Advanced AI and robust data analytics capabilities provide decision advantage and improve our deterrence posture,” he said.
IT and AI superiority allows for more effective integration of conventional and nuclear capabilities, strengthening deterrence.
Adams echoed Cotton’s cautious optimism, suggesting that AI could automate data collection and accelerate data sharing and integration with allies. However, he stressed the need for deliberate implementation. We have to consider when, where, and how we want to deploy the next generation of systems incrementally and carefully so we don’t leave any vulnerabilities,” he said.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
