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Opinions on ll ms designed for drone warfare: a debate

Drone Warfare Controversy | Opinions on AI Integration Heat Up

By

James Mwangi

Oct 12, 2025, 03:36 AM

Updated

Oct 12, 2025, 09:39 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A military drone equipped with advanced AI technology hovering over a battlefield, showcasing the integration of LLMs in warfare.

A rising debate surrounds the use of large language models (LLMs) in drone warfare, as concerns about military practices and technology safety come to light. While many people are skeptical about LLMs in combat, others hint at the rapidly changing landscape of warfare technology.

The Debate on LLMs in Military Applications

Many individuals question the hype around LLMs, pointing out that not all AI applications require LLM technology. One user noted, "Not all the AI applications are LLMs, and you donโ€™t need or use them for everything." This criticism highlights a broader call for clarity on the appropriate use of AI within military strategy, urging a focus on selecting the right tools for specific tasks.

The Potential and Risks of Other AI Models

Discussions have revealed strong support for leveraging other AI models, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). One contributor asserted, "Those are CNN networks, not transformer-based," reinforcing the idea that the military's operational needs may better align with established models. Additionally, Turkeyโ€™s Ghost Bat AI drone and Ukraineโ€™s AI drones utilizing vision language models (VLMs) for dead reckoning indicate innovative developments already in play.

Interestingly, a user pointed out that LLMs and VLMs could play valuable support roles in areas requiring less immediacy, like mission planning and data analysis, which could complement real-time piloting needs.

"If youโ€™re talking about real-time piloting, thatโ€™s obviously right," another commenter remarked, showcasing the differing perspectives on LLM capabilities.

Ethical Considerations and Accountability

Critical voices raised alarms about the lack of accountability inherent in AI-driven systems. Concerns echoed previous worries where fatal risks emerge when decision-making is left to machines. A user stated, "Well, Australia has Ghost Bat AI drone This can significantly increase the lethality of these devices and raises potential for misuse." These revelations emphasize the ethical implications of drone technology deployment that carries the risk of civilian casualties.

Key Points to Consider

  • โ–ฝ Many call for clearer definitions between LLMs and other AI types, advocating for suitable applications.

  • โ–ณ Users emphasize that CNNs might be better suited for drone operations than LLMs.

  • โ€ป "Not all the AI applications are LLMs" - A critical voice in the discussion.

As military forces worldwide weigh the integration of these technologies, public scrutiny remains fierce. How militaries decide to balance innovation with ethical responsibilities will shape the future of combat and the risks associated with AI technology.