🪖Japan’s AI Military Makeover

Japan to tackle military recruitment woes with AI and automated warships

Key Points 

• Japan is investing $122 million in AI and automation to address a severe recruitment shortfall in the Self Defense Forces.

• The country plans to enhance its military with AI surveillance and automated warships to counter China’s growing military power.

🏯News - Japan's defense ministry has announced plans to invest in AI, automation, and improving troop conditions as the country ramps up efforts to counter China's growing military strength.

🔰What prompted the move? Japan's decision was prompted by a significant recruitment crisis within the Self Defense Forces, which saw fewer than 10,000 new personnel enlisted last year, only half of the intended goal. This growing shortfall, combined with the country's declining birth rate, has made it increasingly difficult to maintain the SDF's 250,000-strong force. 

In response, the defense ministry is investing in AI technology and automation, including an 18 billion yen (approximately $122 million) AI surveillance system for military bases and the purchase of more unmanned drones and highly-automated air defense warships that require fewer crew members.

UK’s new AI action plan to prioritize public sector over corporate investment, reports suggest

Key Points 

• UK's new AI plan prioritizes public sector use to cut costs, moving away from direct corporate investments.

• Government may cancel the San Francisco AI Safety Institute, focusing instead on enhancing public sector AI efficiency.

☕News - As it prepares for an important autumn budget, the British Labour government is working on a new AI plan aimed at cutting costs by emphasizing AI use in the public sector rather than investing directly in corporate initiatives.

Since Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office in July, his administration has been scrutinizing AI-related expenses. The previous administration had proposed a £1.3 billion ($1.72 billion) investment in similar technology, but this plan has been scrapped.

There are also reports that the government might abandon plans to open an AI Safety Institute office in San Francisco, which was slated to open this summer, according to a source close to the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT).

🥸See also - According to three sources, IT Minister Kyle plans to increase AI use in the public sector to save costs and enhance efficiency while minimizing direct government investments in businesses. Kyle recently described his strategy as "bold" and indicated that the AI Action Plan will outline Britain's future computing needs and the government's role in addressing them.