Technology is moving from 'just a tool' to 'an actor in its own right', giving rise to more powerful digital weapons in a time of increased uncertainty and contestation, said Singapore's Permanent Secretary for Defence Joseph Leong on Monday (Jul 20).
Speaking at a defence conference, Leong highlighted that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping military operations by enabling autonomous systems that can make decisions without direct human intervention. He noted that this shift presents both opportunities and risks, as AI-powered weapons could escalate conflicts faster than traditional systems.
Leong emphasized the need for international norms and regulations to govern the use of AI in warfare, warning that without such frameworks, the technology could lead to unintended consequences. Singapore is actively participating in global discussions on responsible AI use in defence, he added.
The remarks come amid growing global debate over lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), with countries like the US and China investing heavily in AI for military applications. Singapore, while not a major military power, is positioning itself as a responsible actor in this evolving landscape.
