AI, autonomy, and the future of naval warfare with Captain Jon Haase, United States Navy
Mar 25, 2025
auto_awesome
Captain Jon Haase, a Program Manager for the Navy's Expeditionary Warfare Division, dives into the cutting-edge role of AI in naval warfare. He discusses the innovative use of autonomous underwater vehicles in mine detection and the pressing ethical issues surrounding AI in military contexts. The conversation also highlights the evolving collaboration between Silicon Valley and the military, the balancing act between in-house research and external partnerships, and the significance of human decision-making in shaping the future of warfare.
The integration of AI in naval warfare enhances automated target recognition, improving efficiency and decision-making for human operators in mine detection.
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) exhibit superior operational capabilities by executing missions without requiring life support, adapting to threats in challenging environments.
Future military operations will focus on multi-agent autonomy and the ethical use of AI, promoting collaboration and real-time decision-making on the battlefield.
Deep dives
Automated Target Recognition for Naval Operations
Automated target recognition is a key application of artificial intelligence in naval operations, specifically using unmanned underwater vehicles designed to search for mines. These vehicles utilize an ensemble of deep learning models integrated with NVIDIA processors to identify and classify underwater objects. The AI system enhances efficiency by providing real-time data to human operators, allowing them to make informed decisions about mine location and potential risks. Continuous learning from mission data helps refine the automated recognition process, improving its accuracy and effectiveness over time.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Explained
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) differ fundamentally from traditional submarines because they do not require life support systems, leading to more compact designs. These cylindrical robots excel in executing pre-programmed missions without human intervention, making them valuable for searching the ocean floor. Equipped with sensors like forward-facing cameras and sonar, AUVs navigate through challenging underwater environments while maintaining autonomy, even with limited communication capabilities. This autonomy is crucial not only for operational efficiency but also for adapting mission parameters on-the-fly in response to detected threats.
Challenges of Underwater Communication and Navigation
Operating underwater presents unique challenges that hinder effective communication and navigation. The density of water significantly affects sensor performance, and traditional signals like GPS are unavailable, necessitating the use of acoustic communication methods. Adverse underwater conditions, such as ambient noise from marine life and environmental factors, complicate data transmission between vehicles. Furthermore, the autonomous systems must be capable of safe navigation while remaining vigilant towards potential obstacles, as collisions are a real risk during operations.
The Continuing Threat of Naval Mines
Naval mines remain an active and substantial threat to maritime operations, capable of disrupting fleets and inflicting significant casualties. Historical instances, such as the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, demonstrate the potential dangers posed by mines, including the significant vulnerability they create for ships. As mines are relatively inexpensive to deploy and difficult to detect, their neutralization is a tactical priority for naval forces. This emphasizes the importance of developing and deploying advanced systems like AUVs for effective mine detection and clearance operations in current naval warfare.
Future Trends in Military AI and Collaboration
Looking ahead, the integration of AI in military operations is set to evolve, particularly concerning multi-agent collaborative autonomy in combat scenarios. This includes enhancing communication and interoperability between robotic systems, which will allow dynamic mission planning and real-time decision-making support on the battlefield. The incorporation of LLMs (large language models) presents opportunities for improved information processing, enabling personnel to interact with advanced systems while mitigating potential risks associated with sensitive military operations. As technology keeps advancing, maintaining ethical frameworks while leveraging AI for strategic advantages will be crucial for the military’s operational integrity.
In this episode of Gradient Dissent, host Lukas Biewald speaks with Captain Jon Haase, United States Navy about real-world applications of AI and autonomy in defense. From underwater mine detection with autonomous vehicles to the ethics of lethal AI systems, this conversation dives into how the U.S. military is integrating AI into mission-critical operations — and why humans will always be at the center of warfighting.
They explore the challenges of underwater autonomy, multi-agent collaboration, cybersecurity, and the growing role of large language models like Gemini and Claude in the defense space.
Essential listening for anyone curious about military AI, defense tech, and the future of autonomous systems.
✅ *Subscribe to Weights & Biases* → https://bit.ly/45BCkYz
🎙 Get our podcasts on these platforms:
Apple Podcasts: http://wandb.me/apple-podcasts
Spotify: http://wandb.me/spotify
Google: http://wandb.me/gd_google
YouTube: http://wandb.me/youtube
Follow Weights & Biases:
https://twitter.com/weights_biases
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wandb
Join the Weights & Biases Discord Server:
https://discord.gg/CkZKRNnaf3
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
