Algorithmic warfare

December 03, 2023

Military domination will no longer be defined by personnel
strength. Military domination will no longer be defined by quality
or quantity of military equipment. Military domination will no
longer be defined by the size of the defence budget. Military
domination will no longer be defined by logistical capabilities.
Military domination will no longer be defined by nuclear
prowess. The era of military dominance is shifting away from
mere personnel strength, the quality and quantity of military
equipment, the size of the defence budget, logistical
capabilities, or nuclear prowess.

Pakistan armed forces personnel take part in the Pakistan Day military parade in
Islamabad on March 23, 2016. — AFP

Military domination, in the not too distant future, will be defined

by the ‘performance of military algorithms’. Algorithms in
command and control systems. Algorithms in strategy.
Algorithms in tactics. Algorithms in data analysis. Algorithms in
intelligence. Algorithms in logistics. Algorithms in supply chain
management. Algorithms in simulation. Algorithms in training.
Algorithms in predictive analysis. Algorithms in cybersecurity.
Algorithms in communication. Algorithms in targeting. And
algorithms in precision strikes.
What really is an algorithm? An algorithm is a “step-by-step set
of instructions that a computer or person follows to solve a
particular problem or accomplish a specific task. Algorithms act
as an exact list of instructions that conduct specified actions in
either hardware- or software-based routines.”

In command and control systems, algorithms are being used to

optimize military decision-making processes. Algorithms are
already helping military leaders assess enemy movements,
terrain, and resource availability, to formulate effective
strategies and tactics.

Military operations produce three key types of data:

communication intercepts, satellite imagery, and sensor
readings. Algorithms are already playing a crucial role in
processing this extensive data to achieve three primary
objectives: extracting meaningful insights, identifying patterns,
and facilitating informed decision-making. This is crucial for
both intelligence gathering and situational awareness.

Algorithms are already being used to optimize military logistics

and supply chain operations. Algorithms are already making
military transportation and distribution more efficient. As
military training often involves simulations that replicate real-
world scenarios, algorithms are being used to model the
behaviour of enemy forces, weather conditions, and terrain,
providing realistic training environments for military personnel.

Algorithms are already being used for predictive analysis in at

least three areas: enemy movements, assessing potential
threats, and estimating the outcomes of different courses of
action. Algorithms are also being used for securing military
networks, communications, and systems. Advanced encryption
algorithms are being used to protect sensitive information and
ensure secure communication. Algorithms are being employed
for target tracking and precision-guided munitions in order to
improve the accuracy of military operations.

One of the most fascinating developments in military

applications centers around leveraging algorithms for swarm
intelligence for drone operations. Additionally, advancements in
casualty care and evacuation operations represent another
noteworthy facet of this evolving landscape.

The traditional metrics of strength, size of an army, equipment,

budget, logistics, and nuclear capabilities are giving way to a
new era defined by the power of algorithms. There is no option
but to fully embrace algorithmic advancements. To be certain,
the future of military dominance lies in the strategic application
of algorithms across diverse operational facets, marking a
paradigm shift in warfare capabilities.

The writer is a columnist based in Islamabad. He tweets/posts

@saleemfarrukh and can be reached at:
farrukh15@hotmail.com

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