Military Researchers Investigate AI Vulnerabilities to Cyber Attacks
February 11, 2025 – In an effort to enhance cybersecurity within military operations, U.S. military researchers are launching a project aimed at evaluating the vulnerabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) systems against potential enemy cyber threats. This initiative is driven by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), based in Arlington, Virginia, which has announced the forthcoming Securing Artificial Intelligence for Battlefield Effective Robustness (SABER) project.
DARPA officials have highlighted that currently no known methodologies exist to systematically evaluate the cyber vulnerability of deployed military AI-enabled systems. They acknowledge a critical gap, as theoretical adversarial AI attacks have yet to be effectively demonstrated in operational contexts. Consequently, the operational security risks associated with AI systems on the battlefield remain largely undefined.
To address this challenge, the SABER project aims to develop a dedicated research group focused on integrating counter-AI techniques, advanced tools, and relevant expertise necessary to evaluate the security of AI-enabled military systems.
The Promise and Peril of AI Technology
The evolution of AI technology has reached a stage where its integration into U.S. military operations could provide significant strategic advantages, enhancing decision-making speed, accuracy, and operational autonomy. However, this advancement is not without risks.
It has been observed that AI systems can be susceptible to adversarial manipulation, particularly through the control of their data inputs. This leads to various vulnerabilities, including data poisoning, which compromises system integrity, alongside potential attacks that involve physical constraints to evade detection and model theft.
While DARPA has yet to issue a formal solicitation for the SABER project, plans are in motion for the research team to identify and assess vulnerabilities in both ground and aerial autonomous systems anticipated for deployment within the next 1 to 3 years.
Collaborative Efforts in Cybersecurity
Should it progress, the SABER initiative will engage contractors to assist in conducting comprehensive evaluations of AI-enabled systems, employing cutting-edge techniques across physical security, adversarial AI, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare domains.
Lt. Col. Nathaniel Bastian is designated as the program manager overseeing SABER’s operations. Any inquiries about the project can be directed to DARPA via email at info@darpa.mil. Further details can be accessed on the official SAM.gov page.
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