Recently, the White House published its first note on AI, calling it "an era-defining technology with significant and growing importance for national security."
This statement acknowledges the fact that conflicts are becoming increasingly technological, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a key role in this process. Contrary to popular belief, the war of the future is not an army of killer robots, but AI systems making decisions faster, more accurately, and more efficiently than humans.
How AI Works on the Battlefield
Any military operation consists of multiple stages, starting from reconnaissance and ending with a strike on the enemy. These stages are often called the "kill chain"—identifying a target, classifying it (personnel, airfields, ammunition depots), selecting the optimal means of engagement, striking, and assessing effectiveness. In a traditional army, commanders have to manually analyze data from various sensors, including satellite images, radio interceptions, and intelligence reports. This process takes time and can contain errors. The chances of conducting a successful operation are usually higher for those who can gather more reliable information and make accurate, timely decisions.
Armies using AI operate differently. Artificial intelligence analyzes massive amounts of data in real time and can automatically identify potential targets. For example, computer vision systems can process images from drones and satellites, recognizing tanks, airfields, or ammunition depots. After identifying a target, the software suggests various courses of action. It considers available resources, such as the number of munitions, fuel, available drones, and artillery. The commander receives a list of optimal decisions and selects the most appropriate one.
"When assessing enemy forces, we still focus more on the number of munitions and strike systems—that is, everything that kills. But I believe that in the very near future, the course of war will depend less and less on these things. Even today, we are beginning to see AI in almost every decision made in war."
Shashank Joshi, Defense Editor at The Economist
Shashank Joshi, Defense Editor at The Economist
The Use of AI in Real Military Conflicts
AI is already actively used in the armed forces of various countries. In Israel, AI algorithms are employed to compile lists of suspected militants. These lists are created based on the analysis of intercepted phone conversations and movement data. During combat operations, the Israeli army uses these lists when planning airstrikes.
In Ukraine, AI is actively applied in the control of unmanned aerial vehicles. Drones equipped with computer vision systems can continue their missions even when communication is jammed. They analyze the surrounding environment, compare images with databases, and identify targets without operator involvement.
In the United States, platforms capable of automatically analyzing aerial imagery and detecting potential threats are being developed. These algorithms can locate enemy military objects and assess their significance, reducing the burden on command. Major companies such as Amazon and Microsoft are involved in developing cloud platforms for the military.
Autonomous Systems and Drone Swarms
Some military developments focus on creating autonomous systems capable of carrying out missions without human intervention. For example, drone swarms that interact with each other can coordinate attacks, evade air defenses, and adjust tactics based on battlefield conditions.
These drones are equipped with algorithms that allow them to adapt to changing circumstances. If one drone is disabled, another can take over its role. They can detect targets, adjust their routes, and strike without the delays caused by operator commands.
AI-Driven Decision Making
AI can analyze multiple factors such as troop positions, weather conditions, and available resources to propose different scenarios. For example, if an enemy tank column is detected, the system can suggest attack options—an artillery strike, drone deployment, or an airstrike. Commanders receive the information and select the optimal course of action.
The software can also predict enemy actions by analyzing past data and identifying patterns. If the system detects activity at a military base, it may predict where the troops will be deployed or which assets will be used.
Limitations and Potential Errors
Despite its capabilities, AI does not always operate flawlessly. For instance, algorithms may misidentify objects, mistaking civilian structures for military targets. There is also a risk of cyberattacks and misinformation—adversaries could introduce false data to mislead the system.
Military AI developers strive to minimize these risks, but they still persist. In some cases, commanders must manually verify AI-suggested targets to avoid errors.
AI Integration in Military Systems
The armed forces of leading nations are striving to integrate all data from sensors, drones, satellites, and ground reconnaissance units into a unified command platform. This approach enables real-time information processing and decision-making based on comprehensive analysis.
The U.S. Army's Project "Convergence" aims to develop such a system. It consolidates intelligence data from various sources, analyzes it, and suggests the most effective courses of action to commanders. This helps reduce response time and improve strike accuracy.
The Future of Military Technologies
AI continues to evolve, making military systems increasingly autonomous. The use of algorithms for data analysis, operation planning, and drone management is becoming standard practice in armed forces worldwide.
These technologies enable faster and more efficient operations, reducing decision-making time and minimizing military casualties. However, they also introduce new challenges, such as potential algorithmic errors, cybersecurity threats, and concerns over the control of autonomous combat systems.
AI is already playing a crucial role in modern military conflicts, and its application will only expand as technology advances and data-driven strategies become even more integral to warfare.