On December 7, 2024, Congress unveiled the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), capping defense spending at $895 billion and incorporating significant AI provisions. The act prioritizes research in AI and quantum computing, outlines pilot programs for biotechnology applications, and establishes international partnerships. It also addresses national security risks related to AI technology, reflecting a commitment to enhance military capability while mitigating threats. The NDAA’s passage marks a pivotal step forward in defense policy, with potential implications for 2025 and beyond.
On December 7, 2024, the Armed Services committees from the House and Senate unveiled the long-anticipated National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), establishing a framework for defense funding and policy for the coming year. The final bill, a bipartisan compromise, proposes a defense spending cap of $895 billion. It passed both legislative bodies and received the President’s signature before year-end, marking a pivotal moment in defense policy.
Anticipated to be Congress’s last opportunity for AI legislation, this NDAA saw some AI bills excluded, such as the CREATE AI Act, which aimed to formalize national AI research resources. However, the extensive 1,800-page document still features important AI-related provisions.
Key focuses of the FY2025 NDAA include prioritizing research for advanced AI and quantum technologies to enhance military strategies. The Act emphasizes AI applications in cybersecurity, biotechnology, and operational efficiencies, alongside promoting partnerships with industry and international stakeholders to optimize the integration of AI across various functionalities.
Two pilot programs (Sections 236 and 237) will investigate AI’s potential for security-related biotechnology and workflow enhancement within the DOD. The Secretary of Defense will oversee these programs, pairing consultations with agency leaders to assess progress annually while also utilizing AI for financial audits in FY2025.
The NDAA mandates creating a working group led by the Secretary of Defense to forge AI partnerships with allied nations. This team will bolster interoperability, share best practices, and develop cooperative strategies while ensuring that any technical data complies with export control regulations.
The act also introduces initiatives to incorporate human factors, enhance AI capabilities through advanced computing, and streamline budgeting processes for data acquisition. The yearly evaluations aim to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives, with progress reports required for congressional review.
An initiative established under Section 1534 will explore the feasibility of creating centers of excellence for AI-enabled weapon systems. These centers would facilitate knowledge sharing between the DOD and international entities, including Ukraine, aiming to enhance AI weapon development and collaboration across sectors.
The Chief Digital and AI Officer Governing Council has expanded its role under Section 225 to evaluate AI technologies that might threaten national security. It will outline strategies to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive AI models and propose necessary actions to protect against adversarial threats.
While Congress acknowledged the strategic advantages AI offers in improving operational effectiveness, they also emphasized vigilance to safeguard sensitive national assets, particularly in nuclear operations.
On December 11, 2024, the House approved the NDAA, and just a week later, the Senate followed suit with a strong bipartisan vote of 85 to 14. President Biden signed this significant legislation into law shortly after.
Notably, the DOD is not waiting for the NDAA’s enactment to advance its AI agenda. With an initial $100 million, the DOD is launching AI initiatives through the AI Rapid Capabilities Cell (AI RCC), partnering with the Defense Innovation Unit. The funding will encompass various projects, including generative AI pilots and digital experimentation sandboxes.
CDAO is eager to collaborate with the private sector, recognizing its leadership in AI innovation. They are inviting companies to propose their pioneering AI solutions to expedite the DOD’s development and deployment efforts.
Looking ahead to 2025, despite the NDAA’s limited AI provisions, this bipartisan effort paired with DOD initiatives signifies important momentum in technology policy. As stakeholders engage more deeply with AI, we can expect comprehensive strategies and actions to proliferate in defense applications during the coming years.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sets the government framework for defense spending and policy. Each year, Congress approves this vital legislation that guides how funds are allocated and strategic priorities established for the military. In 2025, considerable focus was placed on the integration of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to bolster national security goals. With numerous significant initiatives within its provisions, the act highlights the growing role of technology in defense operations, addressing both advancements in military capability and the necessity for safeguarding against potential threats posed by adversaries.
The FY2025 NDAA lays critical groundwork for integrating artificial intelligence into defense operations, emphasizing innovation while remaining vigilant against security risks. By fostering partnerships and establishing programs focused on AI research and applications, the legislation signifies a commitment to modernizing the military framework. As the defense landscape evolves, these measures signal a proactive approach to national security, anticipating further developments and robust policies regarding AI in the future.
Original Source: www.klgates.com
