The Story How AI helped Trump attack Iran
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Mar 9, 2026 David Leslie, professor of ethics, technology and society, offers expert analysis on military AI. He discusses how AI compressed targeting teams and sped battlefield decision-making. He explains AI-enabled kamikaze drones, how targeting was accelerated in the Iran strikes, the Anthropic vs military dispute, and the ethical and regulatory hazards of machine-speed warfare.
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AI Compressed The Kill Chain
- AI has compressed the kill chain so tasks once done by thousands can be done by a few operators in minutes.
- David Leslie notes the Iran strikes showed 20 people using AI to do work that once took 2,000, accelerating targeting and decision speed.
Low Cost AI Kamikaze Drones In Action
- Cheap AI-enabled kamikaze drones are a concrete example of AI in combat.
- David Leslie describes LoCost uncrewed attack drones costing about $35,000 each with ML for navigation and swarm evasive links.
AI Turns Months Of Targeting Into Minutes
- Targeting systems now provide prioritized target packages and precise coordinates, turning months of planning into hours or minutes.
- Leslie explains data aggregation and decision-support systems delivered rapid target lists during the Iran campaign.