The first AI conflict? Israel's Gaza operation gives glimpse of future

Sophisticated algorithm leads to 90% of rocket fire being intercepted

20210627N Iron Dome

Streaks of light are seen from Ashkelon as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. © Reuters

TAKESHI KUMON, Nikkei staff writer

CAIRO -- Israeli military action last month in Palestinian-controlled Gaza has been described as the first artificial intelligence war, imparting a glimpse of future conflicts in the 21st century.

"This is the first time [AI] was used broadly across an operation." a senior Israeli officer involved in digital conflict told Nikkei. The technology was deployed to defend against missile attacks and identify targets. The lessons learned from real battlefield experience will be used to improve accuracy.

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