Google’s former CEO, Eric Schmidt, has called on the U.S. military to replace its tanks with AI-powered drones, arguing these autonomous technologies offer significant cost and strategic advantages over traditional armored vehicles. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Saudi Arabia, Schmidt emphasized drones could eventually render tanks, artillery and mortars obsolete.
Schmidt launched a startup to produce autonomous, GPS-resistant drones. He pointed out the disparity in cost between a drone and a tank.
“A $5,000 drone can destroy a $5 million tank. Give them away, right? Buy drones instead. In fact, buy 10, buy 20, buy 50, buy 100,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt has a background as a former chair of both the U.S. Defense Innovation Board and the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Schmidt has been a longstanding advocate for advancing defense technology.
He has previously suggested that the rapid development of AI could reshape military capabilities as profoundly as nuclear advancements did in the 20th century.
Despite the potential that Schmidt sees in drones, he expressed frustration over what he described as the slow pace of adaptation within Western militaries. He highlighted the rapid innovation observed in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, where both sides have continually updated their drone tactics.
While Schmidt’s views have gained traction, some military analysts urge caution. They argue that traditional weaponry, such as tanks, retains significant value when backed by strong logistics and sound tactical planning.
In Ukraine, tanks remain pivotal, illustrating that while drones bring new capabilities, conventional armored platforms still play a role in modern combat strategies.