U.S., China, and Russia Escalate Race for AI-Backed Autonomous Weapons

The United States, China, and Russia have intensified their competition to develop artificial-intelligence-powered autonomous weapons and military systems, a buildup defense officials compare to the dawn of the nuclear age. The contest accelerated following a September 2025 military parade in Beijing, where China showcased drones capable of flying autonomously alongside fighter jets. Pentagon officials concluded that America's unmanned combat drone program was lagging behind China's capabilities. In response, defense startup Anduril began manufacturing AI-backed, self-flying drones at a new factory outside Columbus, Ohio last month. Production started three months ahead of schedule as part of an effort to close the gap with China. China and Russia are experimenting with allowing AI to make battlefield decisions without human intervention, according to U.S. officials. China is developing systems for dozens of autonomous drones to coordinate attacks, while Russia has advanced its Lancet drones with autonomous targeting features tested during the Ukraine war. The Pentagon has requested more than $13 billion for autonomous systems in its latest budget. China is believed to be spending comparable amounts. The buildup raises concerns about escalation. A 2020 RAND Corporation study found that in simulated scenarios, autonomous systems responded to a North Korean missile launch The only major accord between China and the United States was a 2024 nonbinding pledge to maintain human control over decisions to use nuclear weapons. Russia has made no such commitments.