Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed from a novel technology to an essential asset in military operations around the globe. The year 2025 marked significant advancements, particularly in the United States, where military planners and defense officials increasingly embraced AI across various applications. From enhancing drone capabilities to automating intelligence reporting, the integration of AI into military strategy is redefining how armed forces operate.
In January 2025, newly inaugurated President Trump hosted a meeting with OpenAI and other partners in the Oval Office. During this meeting, they unveiled a plan dubbed “Stargate,” which aimed to invest $500 billion in new data centers, with the US military identified as a major potential customer. By August, the Pentagon’s Chief Digital & AI Office was integrated into the traditional Research & Engineering undersecretariat, indicating a shift towards institutionalizing AI within military frameworks. The establishment of the new website, GenAI.mil, announced by Secretary Pete Hegseth and Emil Michael, the Research & Engineering undersecretary, further demonstrated the commitment to making commercial large language model tools accessible to all three million military and civilian personnel within the Defense Department.
Key Innovations and Applications of AI in Military Operations
AI’s impact extends beyond chatbots and data analysis. The US military is actively testing AI for various critical tasks, such as airspace management over battlefields populated with drones, automated recognition of targets, and even optimizing the production of nuclear-powered submarines. These advancements reflect a broader trend wherein AI is becoming a regular component of military operations, with both innovative and concerning implications.
One of the standout developments in 2025 came from Ukraine, where former defense official Kateryna Bondar shared insights into the country’s use of AI to enhance the operational efficiency of its attack drones. In a report to Breaking Defense, Bondar revealed that Ukraine’s defense sector utilized AI not only to improve target accuracy but also to process vast amounts of data from frontline sensors. This dual approach—employing robust AI models at headquarters and lightweight versions in drones—has become a model the US military is exploring as well.
The National Geospatial-Imagery Agency (NGA) has emerged as a leader in AI adoption, leveraging its vast troves of data to enhance geospatial intelligence capabilities. As part of the Pentagon’s Project Maven, NGA has transitioned to using AI for generating intelligence reports. By June 2025, NGA’s director, Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth, announced that AI-generated reports were so standardized that they could be distinctly identified from those produced by human analysts. “No human hands actually participate in that particular template and that particular dissemination,” he noted, highlighting the agency’s commitment to integrating AI into its workflow.
Challenges and Concerns in AI-Driven Military Strategy
Despite these advancements, the incorporation of AI into military operations presents challenges. During the Air Force Association conference in September, Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey announced the transition of the Joint Fires Network (JFN) from research and development to a formal acquisition program. The JFN uses AI to assign enemy targets to US weapons, aiming to streamline the planning process across multiple platforms. While this development signifies progress, it raises questions about the reliability of AI in high-stakes environments.
In related discussions, another revelation from the conference indicated that while AI could significantly expedite military planning, it also produced flawed recommendations. In an exercise known as DASH-2, AI generated ten courses of action (COAs) in approximately eight seconds, compared to three COAs created by humans in 16 minutes. However, some AI-generated plans lacked critical context, potentially jeopardizing missions. “The question for the US military is whether they can root out such errors before the shooting starts,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Claude, highlighting the need for rigorous oversight in AI applications.
The global landscape of AI in military contexts is further complicated by developments in authoritarian regimes. Reports indicate that a Beijing-backed hacker group has leveraged generative AI to conduct cyber-attacks, marking a troubling shift in how AI can be used maliciously. This incident underscores the urgent need for effective AI-driven cyber defense strategies, as traditional barriers to entry for such technology have diminished.
As the military continues to explore the possibilities of AI, the implications of these advancements will likely shape the future of warfare. With both opportunities and risks, the integration of AI into military strategy is a complex landscape that demands careful consideration and oversight. The transition of AI from a conceptual tool to a practical asset in military operations illustrates its profound impact on modern defense strategies globally.
