US Army Explores an AI System Capable of Targeting 1,000 Objectives per Hour.

The U.S. Army, through a series of experiments conducted since 2020, has developed an advanced targeting system that could transform how forces operate on the battlefield. This system, known as the Maven Smart System, uses a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to quickly analyze a combat environment, identify targets, and strike them effectively. Already in use within U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and applied to solve logistical issues globally, the system could allow small teams of soldiers to strike up to 1,000 targets per hour. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

With Maven, the number of soldiers needed to manage critical targets has been significantly reduced(Picture source: US Air Force)

The Maven system is the result of a series of experiments conducted by the XVIII Airborne Corps, which includes prestigious units such as the 82nd Airborne Division, the 10th Mountain Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and the 3rd Infantry Division. The initial experiment, dubbed Scarlet Dragon, began in 2020 and has since evolved through more than ten iterations, with more planned in the coming months and years.

During the first Scarlet Dragon experiment, U.S. soldiers, in collaboration with Marines from the II Marine Expeditionary Force, used commercial satellite imagery and an algorithm to identify a dummy target. At that time, the data transmission process to strike the target took more than 12 hours. Today, thanks to continuous improvements, this time has been reduced to under a minute.

Brigadier General John Cogbill, deputy commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps, stated that this system is already operational and can be used immediately on the battlefield. Initially launched under the leadership of General Michael Kurilla, former commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps and current head of CENTCOM, the Maven system is now a central piece of CENTCOM's data-driven command strategy.

The history of Project Maven dates back to 2017, when the U.S. Department of Defense launched the initiative to apply existing computer vision technology to drone footage to automatically identify objects. Early testing revealed challenges such as unreliable data, poor image quality, and slow performance on older military hardware. However, with growing support from both the tech and defense sectors, the project evolved to integrate multiple data streams into a unified interface for battlefield analysis.

According to a report by the Center for Security and Emerging Technology, before the introduction of the Maven system, the targeting process was manual, inefficient, and prone to errors. With Maven, the number of soldiers needed to manage critical targets has been significantly reduced. For example, during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, more than 2,000 soldiers were required to cover a wide range of targets. Now, with the Maven system, a team of 20 soldiers can accomplish the same task.

Beyond targeting, the XVIII Airborne Corps is also exploring how AI and machine learning can help commanders better anticipate logistical needs by providing a global view of supply chains and testing different operational scenarios.

AI's introduction into warfare extends beyond target recognition. Maven also enhances battlefield awareness by analyzing vast data sets to identify troop movements and potential threats. It further assists with logistics and planning by analyzing complex data sets to predict supply needs and optimize troop deployments. However, the increased integration of AI into military operations also raises challenges, including issues of trust, transparency, data manipulation, hacking vulnerabilities, and ethical dilemmas.

The Scarlet Dragon efforts continue, with new experiments planned, and a significant demonstration of the system is scheduled during the Yama Sakura exercise in 2026, a joint maneuver between U.S. and Japanese forces.

As nations compete for technological superiority in the AI race, international dialogue and regulations concerning AI's use in warfare are more crucial than ever. While AI is not foolproof in the current scenario, its integration into warfare appears irreversible. Commanders will need to carefully weigh the advantages of this technology against the risks of battlefield failures.