Artificial Intelligence: Status of Developing and Acquiring Capabilities for Weapon Systems

The Department of Defense (DOD) is actively pursuing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. AI refers to computer systems designed to replicate a range of human functions and continually get better at their assigned tasks. GAO previously identified three waves or types of AI, shown below. DOD recognizes that developing and using AI differs from traditional software. Traditional software is programmed to perform tasks based on static instructions, whereas AI is programmed to learn to improve at its given tasks.