How AI Is Transforming Modern Warfare: Lessons from Ukraine’s Battlefield

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming modern warfare into a confrontation of advanced technologies, providing strategic advantages through faster data processing and autonomous combat systems. 

In Ukraine, AI is accelerating combat operations, helping with mine clearance and countering disinformation, although its development is accompanied by technical, ethical and production challenges.

Modern warfare is increasingly becoming a confrontation of advanced technologies. What was a part of science fiction yesterday is now being used on the battlefield in real time.

Artificial intelligence has evolved from a trend in the civilian sector to a factor of strategic advantage that can fundamentally change the way warfare is conducted. On the one hand, it helps warring parties make faster and more accurate decisions. On the other hand, it potentially reduces the role of humans, leaving more room for autonomous combat systems based on computer vision and machine learning algorithms.

Global Transformations in the Military Application of AI

Back in 2018, General Mark Milley, the US President's chief military advisor, warned that the introduction of artificial intelligence would significantly expand the military capabilities of states. He was right: today, algorithms help analyze avalanche-like data flows – satellite images, drone reconnaissance results, and social media. All this requires fast processing, which is impossible without AI.

The US is already testing autonomous F-16 fighters with AI algorithms for anti-missile maneuvers and guided attacks. The American corporation Palantir creates modular systems that automatically process and display satellite and drone data on electronic maps. Clearview AI identifies the Russian military by any photo posted on social media, and systems trained on open data can already predict the next enemy moves.

Other countries are joining in: The United Kingdom uses AI for tactical medical training, Israel calls its operations an “artificial intelligence war” because it has activated the Fire Factory and the Gospel systems that detect and distribute targets for aircraft and drones in minutes. Australia has created the Ghost Shark autonomous submarine, and the United States is using the quantum approach of SandboxAQ to improve armored vehicles and batteries. All of this shows that the battle for technological superiority is gaining a global scale.

Ukrainian Developments and Frontline Realities

Ukraine has found itself in a situation where the outcome of hostilities directly depends on the prompt implementation of AI. To accelerate development, the Brave1 cluster was created, which has already supported about a thousand different projects, including many AI solutions. The Griselda system analyzes powerful streams of information - from satellites, drones, social media, and enemy databases. It has been integrated into the Bronia, Kropyva, Ukrop, and GisArt programs, minimizing the time from target detection to destruction. Another platform, Mantis Analytics, tracks disinformation networks and Kremlin propaganda.

The role of AI for attack drones is equally important. The Saker Scout UAV operates autonomously even when communication with the operator is lost, and AI algorithms based on computer vision allow it to “see” camouflaged enemy vehicles. Such “birds” have already been tested in combat, and their resistance to Russian electronic warfare systems has become one of the significant advantages of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Against this backdrop, systems capable of connecting drones in a “swarm” are becoming increasingly important. This will allow a large number of drones to act in a coordinated and synchronized manner without constant operator intervention, which will significantly complicate the work of enemy air defense.

Artificial intelligence is also used in ground-based systems. The National Guard has already tested an AI-based TGP combat module. The turret independently detects targets, calculates the trajectory of ballistics, and follows the enemy, leaving only the right to order the opening of fire to the human operator. This is important to save the lives of soldiers, as operations in the open have become extremely dangerous due to artillery and kamikaze drones.

The Ukrainian military is increasingly relying on artificial intelligence for mine clearance as well.UADamage, a startup, uses drones and sensors to detect mined areas, both on the surface and underground. This approach saves time and protects demining teams from dangerous risks.

Systemic Challenges and Ethical Aspects

Despite significant progress in the military application of AI, there are challenges. Technical limitations and a lack of production capacity make it difficult to scale systems capable of simultaneously monitoring a large front. In addition, the increasing autonomy of combat modules raises ethical questions: how safe is it to rely on a decision-making algorithm in situations where false positives or risks to civilians are possible? 

In some countries, there are already discussions about banning drones with a 100% autonomous targeting system without human intervention.

For Ukraine, the problem is even more acute, as the war is ongoing here and now. 

Therefore, the state and private manufacturers have to balance the speed of implementation with the principles of legality and morality. At the same time, the development of domestic AI solutions opens up unique prospects: the experience accumulated by Ukrainian engineers can turn Ukraine into one of the leaders in defensive technologies in the future.

Perspectives and Summary

One can already argue that AI is sometimes becoming a decisive force on the battlefield, influencing the way intelligence, planning, and strikes are conducted. Ukraine, which found itself amid the most technologically advanced war of our time, managed not only to attract Western developments but also to create its own highly efficient ecosystem of solutions in a short time. Against the backdrop of Russia's enormous potential resources, it is innovations, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, that serve as an “asymmetric response” for Kyiv.

Further development of AI in the military segment will reduce personnel losses, increase the speed and accuracy of operations, and optimize logistics and counterintelligence. At the same time, there will continue to be a need to be cautious about full autonomy and strict adherence to the principles of international humanitarian law. 

It is under these conditions that artificial intelligence will become a reliable ally and allow the Ukrainian army to maintain a qualitative advantage over the enemy.

Bohdan Popov, Head of Digital at the United Ukraine Think Tank, communications specialist, and public figure