The U.S. and China are engaged in a competitive race to develop AI-driven swarming drones for military applications.

The Pentagon is focused on creating cost-effective drones to counteract Chinese military moves in the South China Sea and tensions surrounding Taiwan.

Both nations have similar development levels, with the U.S. leading in software and China in hardware production.

There is significant concern about the proliferation of drone technology to rogue states and militant groups, with AI safety and nonproliferation efforts lagging behind.

Global stability is at risk due to the potential unchecked spread of drone swarm technology, with ineffective limitations on their military use.

Upcoming U.S.-China talks may address AI safety measures, though it is uncertain if the issue of military drone swarms will be included in the discussions.

Combat deployment of drone swarms is not anticipated for another five years, but drones are already actively used in Ukraine, facing electronic warfare challenges.

Research is underway to overcome the logistical hurdles of deploying numerous drones across large areas, particularly in relation to a potential conflict over Taiwan.