Liberal Democratic Party Proposal: Self-Defense Forces Shift Toward "AI-Centric Operations"
On April 22, Japanese media reported that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has unveiled a draft new policy proposal on artificial intelligence (AI), covering initiatives to advance the use of AI within the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces. To enhance deterrence capabilities, the proposal calls for a transition from traditional "network-centric operations" to "AI- and data-centric operations."
The draft cites the current reality in which the United States and Israel have formally deployed AI in intelligence analysis and target selection during military actions against Iran, urging Japan to accelerate its response accordingly.
The LDP will convene the "AI·Web3 Subcommittee" under its Digital Society Promotion Headquarters within this week to consolidate the draft into a comprehensive proposal titled White Paper on AI 2.0. The party aims to incorporate this into Japan’s revised "Three Security Documents" this year, as well as the national-level AI strategy, Basic Plan for AI.
The proposal notes that the U.S. military has already widely adopted AI across multiple domains including intelligence gathering, command and control, and cyber warfare, and warns that "many countries are expected to follow suit." It also expresses concern that delays in AI adoption by the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces could lead to a relative decline in defense capabilities.
Regarding future directions, the proposal urges advancing AI integration in defense force development, Self-Defense Force operational doctrines (tactics and procedures), and routine training, advocating a shift toward a stage where "AI is fundamentally embedded in joint operations."
To consolidate the foundational data required for AI applications, the draft explicitly calls for establishing a designated lead department within the Ministry of Defense and studying the assignment of corresponding authorities. It further recommends improving talent cultivation and deployment, and exploring mechanisms for procuring cutting-edge AI models.
On command and control systems for mobilizing troops, the draft proposes enhancing interoperability with allied nations’ advanced software to strengthen joint operations capabilities with allies. At the same time, it emphasizes that core areas such as sensitive data storage and access control must remain under full domestic autonomy.
The proposal also outlines directions for AI application in sectors including transportation, finance, education, and scientific research. In the overall introduction, the draft states that achieving full domestic production across all AI fields is neither realistic nor strategically meaningful. Instead, it advocates pursuing an "open-type AI sovereignty" that avoids over-reliance on any single country while maintaining strategic balance, and stresses the need to strengthen national coordination functions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863185962249417/
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