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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen's speech at the Responsible AI in the Military domain Summit on 10 September 2024

Finnish Ministry of Defence

10.09.2024

Finland would like to thank the Republic of Korea, and our co-hosts the Kingdom of Netherlands, the Republic of Singapore and the United Kingdom for all their efforts and dedication organizing the REAIM-conference. We also commend your leadership in drafting the REAIM Blueprint for Action, which Finland is very pleased to endorse.

As we see in ongoing conflicts, the significance of military applications of artificial intelligence is ever growing; there is no denying its inevitable impact on the present and the future of warfare. It is crucial for the development of Finland's defence capabilities that we are able to utilize emerging disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to meet the requirements of an ever more challenging international security situation.

Simultaneously, we have already witnessed the risks and challenges that are (as undeniably) an integral part of the military use of artificial intelligence. States must comply with international law, especially international humanitarian law, when studying, developing and deploying artificial intelligence as part of their military capabilities. Consequently, Finland recognizes the urgent need for international regulation, rules and principles. We need to specify the requirements of international law in a concrete and practical manner to ensure safe, secure and responsible practices in the development and use of artificial intelligence applications in the military domain.

Finland has long been a forerunner in research and development related to wireless communications and is emerging as a leader in quantum computing, which are foreseen to converge with the development of AI and various applications both for civilian and defence use. Similarly Finland has expertise in remotely operated machinery from e.g. mining and forestry sectors that can be utilized in various applications.

This context of technological advancement in the civilian sector was part of the foundation on which we started to work on our defence administration's strategic guidelines for the development of artificial intelligence solution. These were for the first time published already in 2020, so we do recognize the need to keep continuously updating our thinking based on the recent technological developments.

When it comes to the future governance of AI, one of the core issues in securing lawfulness and responsibility is the dual-use nature of these technologies. A whole of government approach is needed to ensure that the regulation addresses both the civilian and military applications of artificial intelligence consistently. At the same time, emphasis needs to be given to the whole life cycle of new defence solutions. Research, industrial development, testing, verification mechanisms, operating principles, training, and usage of advanced weapon systems are all increasingly relevant. Therefore, ensuring high standards throughout the whole process is crucial for the protection of our common values.

Finland supports and continues to actively participate in the discussions on multiple international fora, aiming for an efficient, technology neutral, future-proof and globally over-arching regulation of the use of artificial intelligence in military applications.