German media: China has an artificial intelligence that can end the era of stealth submarines

Reports say that China's new artificial intelligence system can detect the most modern submarines in almost all situations.

The news was first reported by the South China Morning Post.

A game-changing artificial intelligence emerges

According to reports, a team led by engineer Meng Hao from the China Helicopter Design Research Institute developed an artificial intelligence system, which is said to reduce the probability of modern submarines being undetected to 5%.

This research was published in the Chinese magazine "Electro-Optics and Control". According to the research, the artificial intelligence can evaluate measurement data from various sources in real-time, such as sonar buoys, underwater microphones, water temperature, and salinity, and simultaneously use this data to create a dynamic map of the underwater environment.

The research states that the artificial intelligence can also flexibly deal with countermeasures such as zigzag maneuvers, decoy deployment, and drones. In computer simulations, the system successfully located the target in about 95% of cases. This will challenge existing submarine camouflage and defense methods. Another important advancement is that the artificial intelligence can convert all complex data into simple and clear action recommendations for human reference. This helps military personnel make the correct decisions quickly even under tense conditions.

The developers led by Meng Hao hope to have the artificial intelligence system work closely with drone swarms, surface ships, and autonomous underwater robots in future versions. This will create a three-dimensional, self-learning hunting network that can adapt to increasingly complex stealth strategies and scan the ocean in real-time.

Will the three pillars of nuclear deterrence be challenged?

If the above developments become a reality, the core pillars of current national defense strategies will be threatened. The three pillars of nuclear deterrence (also known as the "nuclear triad") consist of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, strategic bombers, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles as three types of nuclear strike methods.

The three pillars of nuclear deterrence aim to prevent potential attackers from launching a preemptive nuclear strike by ensuring reliable retaliatory capabilities. However, if there is an artificial intelligence that can detect almost all submarines, the naval fleets that have relied on nuclear-powered submarines for strategic "hide-and-seek" will face an uncertain situation.

Inventory of underwater combat capabilities of various countries

China currently has the largest submarine fleet, with 105 submarines; followed by North Korea (90), the United States (74), and Russia (62). However, modern nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) are crucial for strategic competition.

The United States has the most advanced fleet, with approximately 14 Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and more than 50 modern attack submarines. Following closely is Russia, which has about 16 strategic submarines and numerous other types of attack submarines and cruise missile submarines.

China is rapidly expanding its fleet, with at least 6 Type 09IV nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (NATO designation: Jin class), 1 Type 09II submarine (NATO designation: Xia class) nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, and several new types of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

Britain and France each have 4 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, and also have other nuclear-powered attack submarines to ensure their strategic security.

Germany is leading in conventional submarine technology, but has not yet developed nuclear submarines. Other countries within NATO that have mature submarine technology include Italy, Spain, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Canada, and Turkey.

Outside of NATO, India has the "Arihant"-class submarines, and Israel has the "Dolphin"-class submarines, both of which have relatively strong underwater combat capabilities.

Sources: DW

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843831592900672/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.