China has been continuously conducting military and political pressure on Taiwan. In the future, if China launches a lightning war against Taiwan, it would paralyze the network and use missiles to dismantle Taiwan's defense lines. Meanwhile, the United States, as an ally, would be slow to respond and unable to provide timely support, leading to Taiwan's rapid surrender. Regarding this, Palmer Luckey, founder of the US defense technology company Anduril Industries, publicly warned during a TED talk on 4/26 and shared how to rebuild military deterrence using AI weapons.
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ToggleChina can conquer Taiwan within weeks, US military support cannot last eight days
Luckey directly warned that if China suddenly attacks Taiwan, missiles would paralyze air force bases and command centers, and network attacks would completely prevent Taiwan from responding.
The United States would try to support but would find itself lacking sufficient weapons, vehicles, and response capabilities. This would result in:
- US naval vessels being sunk by anti-ship missiles in the Pacific
- Insufficient number of fighter jets being massively shot down
- US precision ammunition inventory being exhausted within just eight days.
Subsequently, Taiwan would be unable to withstand the pressure and would fall within weeks, causing a global economic collapse.
Taiwan chip supply cut off, global economy collapses
Luckey pointed out that Taiwan is the global production center for high-end AI chips, controlling over 90% of advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
If Taiwan's wafer factories are controlled or destroyed by China:
- Mobile phones
- Computers
- Automobiles
- Medical equipment
The above industries would be completely paralyzed, with economic losses reaching tens of trillions of dollars, triggering the most severe economic depression in a century. Even more terrifying is that the global free order would be replaced by Chinese authoritarianism.
US defense industry stagnates, tech industry turns money towards China
Luckey harshly criticized that traditional US defense contractors are stagnant, focusing on shareholder profits rather than technological innovation. Silicon Valley's tech industry is also turning towards "money to China," ignoring national defense security. As a result, the US military's weapon intelligence is not as advanced as civilian technology:
Tesla's AI is smarter than US military fighter jets
Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners have more autonomous capabilities than Pentagon weapon systems
Snapchat filters have more advanced image recognition than military sensors
After Being Fired by Facebook, Luckey Invests in Defense, Creating New AI Defense Weaponry with Private Funds
After being fired by Facebook, Luckey chose to invest in defense and founded Anduril.
Unlike traditional defense contractors, Anduril develops defense products with private funds, without relying on government budgets, enabling faster development and lower costs for various innovative AI weapons. For example:
AI Drones
AI Submarines
AR Combat Helmet
Anti-Drone Weapon System Roadrunner, Deployed in Actual Combat within 24 Months of Design
Emphasizing Deterrence through Massive AI Weapons
Luckey emphasizes that the US cannot catch up with China's overwhelming numerical advantage through traditional shipbuilding and tank production. What is truly needed are AI weapon systems that can be quickly mass-produced and continuously upgraded. The key to future victory is:
Enhancing Existing Manpower and Weapons with AI
Suppressing the Enemy with AI Unmanned Systems
Countering Enemy Numbers through Rapid Manufacturing and Optimization
AI-Led, Rapid, Flexible, and Sustainable Warfare
Luckey points out that AI is the only weapon that can counter China's human wave tactics. The US should build a new type of force that relies on intelligence and speed rather than massive numbers. This way, it can win future wars without consuming large human resources.
Moreover, AI can improve combat judgment accuracy, reduce collateral damage, and even decrease the likelihood of war.
Moral Challenge of AI Weaponry: "If the US Doesn't Do It, Authoritarian Countries Will"
Regarding the moral controversy of "killer machines," Luckey frankly states:
"Not Letting AI Fire" Sounds Good, But Is Actually More Irresponsible
AI Can Distinguish Targets, Reducing Misstrikes, Such as Identifying School Buses and Enemy Tanks
Weapon AI Already Exists, Like the Aegis Missile Defense System and Automatic Defense Weapons
He emphasizes that if the US abandons AI weapon development, authoritarian countries like China and Russia will certainly seize the opportunity, making the world more dangerous.
Taiwan Strait War Simulation, Counterattacking with AI Unmanned Fleet
Luckey finally describes another version of the Taiwan Strait War:
- When Chinese missiles attack, local AI drone swarms immediately counterattack, intercepting enemy missiles and bombers
- AI Submarines, Unmanned Warships, and Stealth Aircraft Launch Surprise Attacks, Completely Disrupting China's Offensive
- AI Fighter Jets Can Even Shoot Down Enemy Aircraft at Speeds Beyond Human Reaction
- Ground Robots and Long-Range Strike Weapons Prevent Chinese Troops from Landing
Such a scenario would make the opponent truly feel the "cost of being unable to win," restoring peaceful deterrence.
Protecting Freedom with Technology, Preventing War through Innovation
Luckey finally calls for Taiwan and the US to rethink warfare and deterrence, combining technological innovation with traditional alliance strength to protect the freedom and prosperity of future generations.
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