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Export Controls on Artificial Intelligence and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems: Interagency Challenges

RAND | 2026-02-17 | defense

Topics: AI, China, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, NATO, Nuclear, Russia, Taiwan, Trade, Ukraine, United States

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English Summary

This RAND report argues that current U.S. export controls for AI and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) are lagging behind rapid technological advancements and require a more agile, data-centric interagency approach. The study finds that the U.S. no longer maintains a technological monopoly, meaning overly restrictive controls risk hollowing out the domestic industrial base and driving global partners toward Chinese alternatives. Consequently, the authors recommend shifting regulatory focus toward specialized military training data rather than ubiquitous hardware, while calling for increased funding and technical expertise for the Bureau of Industry and Security.

中文摘要

這份蘭德公司(RAND)報告指出,美國現行針對人工智慧(AI)與無人機系統(UAS)的出口管制已落後於技術的飛速發展,亟需採取更靈活且以數據為核心的跨部門協作模式。研究發現,美國已不再擁有技術壟斷地位,過度嚴厲的管制恐將導致國內工業基礎空洞化,並迫使全球合作夥伴轉向中國的替代方案。因此,作者建議將監管重點從普及的硬體轉向專業化軍事訓練數據,同時呼籲增加對工業和安全局(BIS)的資金投入與技術專業支援。

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