Southeast Asia’s Drone Race Raises Fears Over AI Warfare and Regional Security

Malaysian police officers use a drone to remind citizens to stay at home during the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. Southeast Asian nations are using drones beyond surveillance for defence deployment. Photo: Reute

WORLD / Southeast Asian nations are rapidly expanding their use of military drones, with governments across the region investing in weaponised unmanned systems, surveillance aircraft and AI-powered defence technology. While officials say these systems are necessary to tackle modern threats and manpower shortages, analysts warn that the lack of clear rules and transparency could increase … Read more