Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy in Russia

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of civilian and military artificial intelligence in Russia, examining all relevant sectors, key institutions, and trends. In particular, the report explores how Russia is applying AI to its military capabilities. This report is part of an effort by CNA to provide timely, accurate, and relevant information and analysis of the field of AI in Russia, and follows a series of more than twenty biweekly newsletters on the same topic. It relies on Russian-language open source material. The Russian leadership views the ability to innovate as one of the hallmarks of a great power and sees military innovation as essential to Russia's overall defense posture in a changing threat environment. The goals of Russia's artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous ecosystem are best understood within the context of Russia's economic development and modernization efforts, and include those initiatives aimed at the improvement of the well-being of Russian citizens as well as the conditions for business and entrepreneurial activity. The following report details the Russian AI ecosystem and is part of a yearlong effort, conducted on behalf of the Department of Defense Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC), to understand the evolving field of AI and autonomy in Russia. While focusing on AI and autonomy, the report also seeks to place AI within the larger technological environment in Russia.