US military focuses on capacity to develop autonomous software on the battlefield

Garrett Berntsen, AI Director at Accenture Federal Services, emphasized that the US military should shift toward 'agentic' AI models capable of developing autonomous software on the battlefield.

Garrett Berntsen pointed out that adversaries are using agentic AI tools to rapidly synthesize cyber weapons, stating that the US military must update its defense strategies to counter this threat. This new approach necessitates an agile ecosystem where engineers and operators collaborate, replacing traditional and lengthy procurement processes.

The integration of autonomous systems in military operations is balanced with human oversight. While high autonomy is targeted in low-risk areas such as logistics, critical decisions in offensive operations are expected to remain under human control. Berntsen envisions a future model where frontline units can generate real-time software solutions based on mission needs, without remaining dependent on large-scale systems.