The military world is currently entering a new chapter marked by the penetration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the defense sector. This shift is no longer merely a matter of owning conventional defense equipment like tanks or fighter jets, but has moved toward mastering data, algorithms, and autonomous systems capable of making independent decisions.
Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) recorded a surge in global military spending reaching US$2.887 trillion in 2025. This phenomenon demonstrates that defense technology has become a high-value economic commodity, where tech startups are beginning to compete with traditional arms manufacturers in developing command software and combat robotics systems.
Although offering tactical advantages, the development of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) technology triggers fierce debate at the international level. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and various UN forums emphasize the importance of human control (human-in-the-loop) in every use of force. This is based on the principles of international humanitarian law, which demand moral and legal accountability for any action affecting human life.
For Indonesia, this opportunity must be addressed strategically through the DEFEND ID ecosystem. Rather than immediately pursuing the development of lethal autonomous weapons, Indonesia is considered wiser to focus on strengthening national capabilities in drones, cybersecurity, sensors, and system integration. This approach allows for technological mastery without violating global ethical norms that are still in the process of maturing.
Ultimately, superiority in the modern defense business is not measured solely by the sophistication of machinery, but by compliance with regulation and accountability. Indonesia needs to prioritize a smart approach by combining technological innovation with governance integrity, ensuring that every technological advance remains within the boundaries of law and universal human values.
