PH, US soldiers learn AI use in cyber defense

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Marine Corps (USMC) are conducting a cyber defense exercise here as part of the broader “Balikatan” (shoulder to shoulder) military exercise this year.

Hosted at the Rizal Reef Hall of the Western Command (Wescom) here from April 24 to May 8, the training aims to enhance the troops’ skills in defending and securing cyberspace domain and key infrastructure facilities, and prevent adversaries from attacking and entering the critical network, said Lt. Col. Jonathan Barrawed, assistant chief of Wescom’s unified command staff for communications, information and electronics system.

He said that through the exercise, they exchange ideas with their American counterparts to find ways to determine if there are individuals or groups who are trying to breach the security of cyberspace networks.

“Here, we are protecting our network, including critical infrastructure like power plants, banks and other financial institutions, to prevent others from stealing critical and sensitive data,” Barrawed said.

The current exercise, according to Barrawed, incorporated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations.

“AI is already part of our cybersecurity. We cannot stop that and it actually benefits us and will aid us in maintaining our cyber defense,” he said. “Our enemies are also using AI to attack cyberspace so we will be at a disadvantage if we don’t use it.”

See Also

2 ex-Israeli PMs join forces vs Netanyahu

Other technologies—particularly unmanned systems, such as drones—were also featured in the Palawan leg of Balikatan, such as during the Counter-Landing and Live Fire Exercise (CLLFX) held in Aborlan town on Monday.

AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who witnessed the CLLFX, said this was the country’s way to keep up with modern warfare “because the character of war around the world is changing.”