Today, Explained AI goes to war
151 snips
Mar 4, 2026 
Paul Shari, Executive VP at the Center for a New American Security and author, discusses AI’s growing role in military operations. He covers using large language models in classified networks, AI-driven target processing from satellite imagery, autonomy on drones, and the debates over safety guardrails and Pentagon contracts. Short, sharp conversations on tech, policy, and the risk of machines making life-or-death choices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Claude Was Used In The Maduro Operation
- Anthropic's Claude was integrated into classified Pentagon networks and reportedly used in the Maduro raid.
- The Wall Street Journal reporting tied Claude to writing emails and planning in the operation to capture Nicolás Maduro.
Drones Are Getting Autonomous Attack Modules
- Militaries are adding autonomy to small drones so once a human locks a target the drone can complete the attack.
- Shari observed a cigarette-pack sized module in Ukraine enabling drones to build their own flight routes and execute strikes.
AI Produces Targeting Packages Faster Than Humans
- Israel used ML systems to fuse geolocation, cell phone, and social media data to produce targeting packages faster than humans.
- Shari notes humans approved targets but high volume risked turning oversight into a rubber stamp.