China is ahead of the United States in developing and applying biotech for military purposes, putting American national security at risk, Axios reported, citing a new report submitted to Congress this month.
The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnologies, composed of representatives of politics, industry and the military, warns that the United States is lagging behind in a key area that has the potential to transform both modern warfare and the global economy.
"China has been investing heavily in biotechnology for more than 20 years. We must respond urgently and purposefully," the report says. According to him, Washington should allocate at least $15 billion over the next five years to accelerate development in the sector.
The commission, which includes Senator Todd Young (Republican of Indiana), former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and In-Q-Tel Vice President Michel Rozzo, emphasizes that biotechnology can lead to revolutionary changes on the battlefield.
Among the potential applications are advanced body armor, adaptive camouflage, locally produced food, special bacteria for detecting mines, as well as genetically enhanced soldiers. The report warns that there is "every reason to believe" that the Chinese Communist Party will use these technologies for military purposes.
"The day the People's Liberation Army introduces genetically modified fighters, drones will seem archaic", the text states.
At the same time, the lack of manufacturing capacity in the United States and the difficulties in moving from laboratory research to real products create obstacles to the development of the sector, the report notes.
The commission calls on Congress to expand the inclusion of biotech scenarios in military exercises and simulations, as well as to support international initiatives such as NATO's DIANA innovation accelerator.
"The United States must consider biotechnology as a separate battlefield," Senator Young told Axios. He cited the development of shelf-stable blood or biological energy sources that could significantly improve the effectiveness of military equipment.
"This would change fundamental calculations in the strategy and tactics of future conflicts," he added.
"Just as the industrial and information ages changed the world, biotechnology will do so," said Commissioner Paul Arcangeli, former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "In 10 years, people will be amazed at what these technologies can accomplish."