Japan sets guidelines for expansion of AI-controlled defense systems
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan has set guidelines for the safe development of artificial intelligence-controlled defense systems, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Friday, aiming to address ethical concerns over weapons that can operate without direct human involvement.
The guidelines outline steps to be followed in the research and development of such defense equipment, calling for careful classification of the systems, legal and policy reviews to guarantee compliance, and technical evaluations of operational reliability.
Nakatani said the guidelines are intended to "reduce risks of using AI while maximizing its benefits," adding they are expected to "provide predictability" for the private sector, with his ministry to "promote research and development activities in a responsible way."
Global concerns over autonomous weapons that use AI are mounting, as the deployment of combat drones has become commonplace in the war between Russia and Ukraine and in conflicts in the Middle East.
The Defense Ministry will conduct reviews to check whether systems meet requirements such as clear human accountability and operational safety, while categorizing such weaponry as "high" or "low" risk.
If categorized as high risk based on whether AI influences destructive capabilities, the ministry will assess whether the equipment complies with international and domestic laws, remains under human control, and is not a fully autonomous lethal weapon.
The ministry unveiled its first-ever basic policy for the promotion of AI use last July, focusing on seven fields including detection and identification of military targets, command and control, and logistical support.
Last May, the Foreign Ministry submitted a paper on Japan's stance on lethal autonomous weapons systems, or LAWS, to the United Nations, stating that a "human-centric" principle should be maintained and emerging technologies must be developed and used "in a responsible manner."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 hours ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Govt Unveils Guidelines for Managing AI-Incorporated Defense Systems; Aims to Cancel Research of Systems Deemed High Risk
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, left, receives an explanation of the next-generation fighter jet at DSEI Japan 2025, an international defense and security equipment exhibition, in Chiba Prefecture in May. The Defense Ministry has unveiled guidelines for managing the risks associated with defense equipment incorporating artificial intelligence, with the aim of ensuring the use of AI remains within the scope of human control. The guidelines clearly state that the government will not permit the research and development of defense equipment if it is found to be Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) , in which a human is not involved in selecting targets or deciding which targets to attack. According to the guidelines, risk management for research and development must be conducted in three stages: classification of AI equipment, a legal review and technical review. Equipment will be examined under these guidelines based on how the judgement of the AI system impacts destructive capabilities, dividing research and development targets into high-risk and low-risk categories. If deemed high-risk, the government will assess compliance with international and domestic laws prior to the commencement of research and development. This includes missile launches that are assisted by AI to identify targets. If deemed LAWS, the system's development and research will be canceled. After the legal review is complete, the process moves on to a technical review. This stage verifies that the design allows for human control and ensures safety through mechanisms that reduce AI malfunctions. To ensure an effective review, the ministry will need the cooperation of defense contractors that design equipment incorporated with AI, requiring them to disclose AI algorithms and other relevant information. The ministry plans to finalize the specific methods for ensuring cooperation through future discussions with the companies.
The Mainichi
4 hours ago
- The Mainichi
Japan, US yet to find middle ground on tariffs but want quick deal
WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Japan and the United States have yet to find common ground on tariff issues but still aim to strike a deal of some sort in mid-June, Japan's chief tariff negotiator said Friday. After holding talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's minister for economic revitalization, told reporters that he believes "further progress" was made. Akazawa said no decision has been made on whether there will be another round of tariff talks next week or beyond. Akazawa and Bessent, as well as Lutnick, whom the Japanese minister also met a day earlier, sat down to explore whether it may be feasible for the countries' leaders to reach a trade agreement during their meeting in about 10 days. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump plan to hold talks around the time of the three-day Group of Seven summit in Canada, which starts on June 15. Akazawa, who is visiting the U.S. capital for the third straight week for a fifth round of ministerial-level tariff talks, has repeatedly said Japan will not accept a deal unless it benefits both countries. On Thursday, Akazawa and Lutnick discussed "in detail" cooperation in three major areas -- trade, nontariff barriers and economic security -- during their 110-minute meeting, according to the Japanese government. The government added that Akazawa, as he has done consistently in the talks, reiterated Japan's position that the Trump administration's additional tariffs must be removed. Under Trump's so-called reciprocal tariff regime, announced April 2, almost all countries in the world have been hit by a baseline duty of 10 percent, with Japan facing an additional country-specific tariff of 14 percent for a total rate of 24 percent. Along with other countries, Japan has also been affected by the Trump administration's extra 25 percent tariff on automobiles and other sector-based levies implemented on national security grounds. Japan has presented a package of proposals to U.S. Cabinet members in the ongoing negotiations. The package includes joint efforts to strengthen supply chains for semiconductors and critical minerals, cooperation in shipbuilding, expanding imports of U.S. farm products to Japan, and simplification of Japan's safety and environmental requirements for foreign-made cars. Japan does not impose tariffs on imported cars, trucks or buses. However, the Trump administration has claimed American automakers' limited penetration into Japan's market is due to nontariff barriers, such as nonacceptance of certain U.S. standards.
The Mainichi
5 hours ago
- The Mainichi
Japan showcases MSDF frigate in Australia amid bid to win contract
DARWIN, Australia (Kyodo) -- Japan's latest Maritime Self-Defense Force frigate made a port call in Darwin, northern Australia, on Thursday for training, as Japan competes with Germany for a contract to build Australia's new-generation fleet. Showcasing the Mogami-class multi-mission frigate Yahagi to the media on Friday, MSDF officials highlighted its advanced stealth features and ability to operate with a smaller crew than the German vessels. The MSDF hosted an evening reception for Royal Australian Navy officials on board the ship the same day. In November last year, the Australian government shortlisted the Mogami-class frigate and Germany's MEKO A200 frigate as candidates to replace its navy's Anzac-class frigates in a program worth up to AU$10 billion ($6.5 billion) over the next decade. From an operational standpoint, there is a degree of support in Australia for Germany's proposed frigates, which offer compatibility with its current fleet. Meanwhile, Japan is aiming to ease concerns by allowing officials to experience the user-friendliness of its frigate. "With a smaller crew, it is easier to keep track of personnel. I believe this is the optimal size," Yahagi's captain, Masayoshi Tamura, said. Frigates produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. can be operated by a crew of around 90, half as many as similar vessels. The Australian government is planning the largest expansion of its navy's combatant fleet since World War II amid China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. It is expected to choose either Japan or Germany as its partner for the joint development of new frigates by the end of the year.
