A recent survey indicates that one in three Germans supports the use of AI-controlled weapons in warfare, amid increasing military activities in the country.
A new survey commissioned by Politico reveals that a significant portion of the German population, approximately one in three, is in favor of the implementation of autonomous AI-powered weapons systems in military conflicts. The survey indicates a growing acceptance of technology in warfare, with less than half of respondents believing that humans should be the ones making critical life-and-death decisions on the battlefield. This trend highlights a shift in public opinion regarding the role of artificial intelligence in military operations.
The poll results come at a time when Germany is significantly enhancing its military capabilities, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to establish the German military as the strongest conventional army in Europe. Amid this military buildup, the German government has reportedly entered into contracts totaling €900 million ($1.05 billion) for kamikaze drones, signaling a move toward incorporating advanced technologies into combat strategies. This strategic pivot raises questions about the ethical implications of using AI for lethal decision-making.
The current coalition government under Chancellor Merz has notably shifted its stance compared to the previous administration led by Olaf Scholz, which clearly rejected the idea of allowing AI to make autonomous lethal decisions without human oversight. As the coalition’s agreement implies a more open approach to the integration of AI in military strategies, it poses critical challenges regarding accountability, transparency, and the moral implications of delegating life-and-death decisions to machines.
