Experts are warning of a dangerous new trend in modern warfare: data centers are becoming prime targets. Recent drone strikes on Amazon data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, claimed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, signal a significant escalation.
These facilities, housing the critical infrastructure for everything from banking apps to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, are now recognized as vital national assets. Analysts suggest these physical attacks aim to disrupt military and intelligence activities reliant on these digital hubs.
Vincent Boulanin, director of the governance of AI programme at SIPRI, stated that data centers are "a critical building block of AI capabilities at the national level." Their targeting impacts civilian operations and potential military AI applications, raising concerns for entities like the US military, which reportedly uses AI tools for operations.
Big Tech companies operating hyperscale data centers, such as Microsoft, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services, are particularly vulnerable. James Shires, co-director of think tank Virtual Routes, noted that while ground defenses are robust, aerial threats were not a primary consideration until recently.
Improving defenses could involve labeling data centers as "critical infrastructure" and deploying missile defense systems, akin to Israel's Iron Dome. The US is reportedly developing a similar system, the "Golden Dome." However, international law typically protects civilian infrastructure unless used to support military actions, making the targeting of these centers potentially unlawful.
The long-term impact could deter future investment in data centers across the Middle East, jeopardizing cloud and AI strategies in the region.