The Ministry of Defence described the AI-driven army as one in which artificial intelligence optimises data analysis, decision-making and target engagement at every level. The work is intended to support Ukrainian forces across operational planning and combat activity.
“Artificial intelligence is our asymmetric response to the enemy’s numerical advantage,” said Danylo Tsvok, head of Defense AI Center A1. The centre said AI integration plays a key role in halting the enemy across three domains: in the air, on the ground and in the economic domain.
According to Tsvok, the future AI-driven army has two main areas of development. The first is data-driven decision-making, where AI rapidly processes and analyses large volumes of data, including battlefield data.
The Ministry of Defence said such tools can help determine how data can be used most effectively in support of the military. One example cited is the ability to simulate and predict battlefield scenarios.
The second area is the use of AI to support kinetic effects on the battlefield. AI is being integrated throughout the kill chain, from target detection to destruction, including target identification, engagement and battle damage assessment.
Tsvok said every product developed by Defense AI Center A1 has two clear objectives. These are to save the lives of Ukrainian service members and maximise the effectiveness of frontline operations.
To achieve those objectives, the centre works closely with military personnel and gathers feedback on their most urgent challenges. It then develops technological solutions to address those challenges, with the products tested directly by military units.
The Ministry of Defence said AI supports the processing and analysis of large volumes of data, especially during operational planning. It also identified kinetic targeting as another important area of AI application, particularly through computer vision technologies.
One example is last-mile guidance technology, which enables a drone to lock on to and engage a target even in the presence of electronic warfare. AI is also being used in interceptor drones to acquire and engage targets.
The technology is also being integrated into unmanned ground vehicles and remote weapon stations. Remotely operated autonomous weapon systems can engage enemy targets while reducing the exposure of Ukrainian service members in forward positions.
The Ministry of Defence said pilot projects are also exploring drone swarm technology. This would allow multiple drones to operate as a unified system and carry out coordinated missions.
The future of military technology, according to the ministry, lies in AI-enabled battlefield operating systems. Such systems can rapidly build a comprehensive picture of the battlefield, generate insights and support decision-making.
The ministry described this concept as a digital twin of the battlefield. It would help the military understand the situation on the front line, plan operations and determine which capabilities to employ for each mission.
