ASEAN Defence Ministers Promote AI Use in Military

The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat in Penang, Malaysia, focused on strengthening regional cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) and critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) security.

Singapore’s Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen emphasized the need for ASEAN to address emerging threats through collaboration. The ministers supported a joint paper by Singapore and Thailand proposing stronger cooperation on CUI protection, citing its vulnerabilities and the role of militaries in responding to disruptions.

The ASEAN Defence Ministers agreed on increasing military awareness and capacity for protecting critical underwater infrastructure. They backed Singapore and Thailand's proposal for deeper cooperation in CUI security, highlighting the military's role in responding to infrastructure disruptions.

The ministers also released a joint statement on cooperation in the defence sector regarding artificial intelligence. It emphasizes promoting responsible and accountable AI use and acknowledges ongoing ASEAN efforts to address AI-related risks.

Additionally, the ministers agreed to allow Germany and Turkey to observe the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups.