Military Applications of AI/ML in Defense

About this report

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are poised to transform the character of warfare in the coming decade. Defense analysts note that “the advent of AI is ushering in profound changes to competition and conflict,” given that AI is a dual-use, general-purpose technology proliferating rapidly beyond traditional military control.

Major powers are prioritizing military AI as a strategic imperative: for example, Russia’s war in Ukraine has become the first conflict where both sides deployed AI for military purposes, turning the battlefield into an “AI war lab”.

Key questions this report answers

• What capabilities does military AI/ML enable, and why is AI a dual-use, general-purpose technology proliferating beyond traditional military control?
• What operational impact and doctrinal implications arise, as illustrated by Russia's war in Ukraine as an 'AI war lab'?
• Which major powers and actors are prioritising military AI as a strategic imperative, and what constraints shape it?
• What is the strategic outlook for AI/ML transforming the character of warfare in the coming decade?

Inside this report

• Introduction
• Capabilities Enabled by Military AI/ML
• Operational Impact
• Doctrinal Implications
• Strategic Outlook

Who it's for

Strategy, corporate-development and investment teams that need an ecosystem-level view — budgets, industrial capacity and technology landscapes — before committing capital or capacity.

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Methodology, format & delivery

DFM reports are built from primary and official sources — TED procurement notices, CORDIS and the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, EIB operations, the NATO Innovation Fund portfolio, SIPRI data, official budget documents and company disclosures — read together with the underlying legal texts. Sources are cited in the document; it reflects them as of its publication date (22 May 2025). You receive a 13-page PDF, watermarked to you on every page, delivered on the confirmation page and by e-mail immediately after checkout (personal link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). Guest checkout, single-user licence — Terms of Sale.

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