Pentagon unveils new supercomputer to bolster defenses against biological threats
The US biodefense capabilities have received a major upgrade in the form of a new supercomputer and rapid reaction laboratory (RRL).
The supercomputer uses the same AMD MI300A processors as the LLNL exascale supercomputer El Capitan, which is expected to be completed later this year.
The US government hopes its new biodefense supercomputer and RRL will help improve military and civilian research and defense against biological threats.
Supercomputer for biodefense
“Some of the countermeasures that we’re going to develop in this unique environment are going to be extremely important because we’re talking about shrinking solutions down to days, if not hours. This computing power is going to be something that we’re going to use on a regular basis,” said Darryl Colvin, joint program director for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense.
The supercomputer uses a range of technologies to enhance defenses, including AI modeling, simulations, threat classification and the development of medical countermeasures in conjunction with the RRL.
The supercomputer will be available for use by other government agencies, academia, industry, and allies, but the RRL will also help strengthen the Generative Unconstrained Intelligent Drug Engineering (GUIDE) program of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Chemical and Biological Defense Program.
Ian Watson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for chemical and biological defense, said, “Exascale supercomputing and other technical enablers underscore DOD’s commitment to building lasting advantages and delivering advanced defensive capabilities to ensure the Total Force can deter or overcome advanced chemical and biological threats.”