“Artificial Intelligence is increasingly becoming a critical element in our domestic defense planning. It influences not only technological advancements but also the framework of international security,” stated Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias during the kickoff of the International Conference on Crisis Management “ATHENS – 25,” focused on “Armed Conflicts and Crisis Management in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
“In the context of Artificial Intelligence,” Dendias emphasized, “defense policies cannot be executed without ensuring the reliability of algorithmic systems, effective interpretive tools, capabilities for Big Data processing, and automated risk assessments. The adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the military sector has transformed operational methodologies.” He expressed particular concern regarding “the emergence of military systems equipped with Machine Learning capabilities.”
He elaborated that “these systems can act as ‘black boxes’—a term often used—featuring opaque, evolving, and at times incomprehensible decision-making processes.” He cautioned that “the unregulated use of AI poses significant risks to peace, security, and global stability.”
This conference is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence and the General Directorate of National Defence Policy & International Relations (DGNDRP), with discussions taking place at the amphitheater of the Military School of Evelpidonics (MMS).
Notable attendees included Chief of the General Staff General Dimitrios Houpis, foreign ambassadors in Greece, Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, Rear Admiral Spyridon Tsiafoutis PN representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Lieutenant General George Christodoulou representing the Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral L.S. Tryphon Kontizas from the Coast Guard, Secretary General of National Security Thanos Dokos, Director General of the Hellenic Police, retired Ambassador Michael Spinellis, along with Armed Forces senior officers, Defence Attaches, academics, and military personnel.
In his address, Dendias remarked:
“It is an honor to welcome you to the Military School of Evelpidon for the two-day international conference ‘ATHENS 2025,’ themed ‘Armed Conflicts and Crisis Management in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.’
The rapid advancement of AI technology is reshaping the global security landscape, necessitating a constructive dialogue among all stakeholders.
We must tackle not only the complex challenges and ethical implications arising from AI’s integration into defense but also explore the transformative opportunities it presents, ranging from strategic benefits and operational efficiencies to enhanced civilian protection during conflicts.
The Athena International Crisis Management Conference provides an invaluable forum for addressing these pressing issues, particularly the intersection of AI and crisis management in military operations.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming a fundamental aspect of defense planning domestically and is influencing the architecture of international security.
Successful defense policies require adequate algorithmic systems, data processing capabilities, and automated risk assessments.
The incorporation of AI in military operations has profound implications on execution methods:
- Accelerated decision-making through enhanced Command and Control systems.
- Improved targeting accuracy, minimizing collateral damage.
- Enhanced capability to detect, assess, and prioritize threats.
- Real-time operational situational awareness.
- Support for supply chain management.
- Augmentation of human capabilities in complex environments.
- Efficient data processing in minimal time, along with realistic training scenarios that adapt to trainee decisions and provide analytical feedback.
While these advancements offer substantial benefits, we must recognize the array of legal, ethical, technological, and political complexities they introduce, all of which require thorough examination.
The unchecked deployment of AI can jeopardize global peace, security, and stability.
Technological capabilities are evolving rapidly, increasing the likelihood of misuse by non-state actors, including terrorist organizations, as well as state actors who disregard international law for their own geopolitical interests, thus threatening regional and global stability.
Of particular concern is the development of military systems utilizing Machine Learning.
These systems may operate as “black boxes” with opaque, evolving, and often incomprehensible decision-making processes.
The potential use of generative AI in military systems adds an additional layer of complexity and uncertainty, as these technologies might autonomously generate solutions and learn from new data without human oversight.
These possibilities are remarkable, but bring forth the necessity for stringent oversight.
A crucial question remains: Is it feasible for an AI algorithm, no matter how advanced, to integrate complex legal and ethical standards of international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of discrimination and proportionality?
Operational planning must guarantee that any application of new technology aligns with a clear institutional framework.
AI should enhance, not replace, human judgment.
We cannot overlook the serious implications of fully automating decisions regarding life and death.
The well-known case of Soviet officer Stanislav Petrov in 1983 illustrates this; he averted a potential disaster by disregarding a false missile attack warning, reminding us how close humanity can come to catastrophe.
For those who haven’t seen the movie Dr. Strangelove featuring Peter Sellers, I highly recommend it. It’s entertaining and serves as a poignant reminder of the dangerous consequences of placing complete reliance on data without human judgment.
Thus, it is imperative to delineate operational boundaries and establish legal constraints to ensure that human oversight remains central to crucial decision-making, particularly in lethal scenarios.
The use of lethal force remains a profound moral decision that should never be divorced from human conscience and individual discernment.
Any individual who decides to take another’s life should be capable of justifying that choice to their Creator.
Let us strive to remain a society rooted in humanity.
I wish you all productive and constructive discussions, with hopes for shared insights to navigate these rapid developments.
I look forward to the outcomes of this meeting guiding us forward.
Best of luck, and congratulations to you, Mr. Ambassador, Mr. Spinellis, and your team for organizing this event.
Thank you very much.
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