AI and Defence: a Strategic Revolution and Contemporary Challenges

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a technological promise; it has become a central pillar of modern defence, profoundly transforming the operational, decision-making and logistical capabilities of armed forces. In a context of increasing geopolitical competition, mastering AI is now a matter of national sovereignty and strategic superiority.

A National Priority in France

In France, the integration of AI into defence has been elevated to the highest level of government. In 2024, the French State created the Ministerial Agency for Defence Artificial Intelligence (AMIAD) to structure research, coordination and development of AI technologies tailored to military requirements.

This agency played a key role in the launch, in September 2025, of a classified military supercomputer named ASGARD, designed to support the training of advanced AI models, large-scale data processing and complex simulations.

At the same time, the Defence Digital Commissioner (Commissariat au Numérique de Défense – CND) was established to centralise the Ministry of the Armed Forces’ digital capabilities, with dedicated teams and funding to drive technological innovation.

These initiatives clearly demonstrate France’s ambition to position itself among the leading nations in defence AI, supported by strong institutional frameworks and long-term investment.

ASGARD: a Strategic Supercomputer at the Heart of Digital Sovereignty

Inaugurated on 4 September 2025, the ASGARD supercomputer is now the most powerful defence-dedicated system in Europe, reserved exclusively for the Ministry of the Armed Forces and the AMIAD.

Equipped with more than 1,024 next-generation processors, ASGARD enables the training of highly advanced AI models for:

• radar and acoustic signal analysis,
• simulation of autonomous and robotic systems,
• secure processing of classified data.

Completely isolated from the public internet and operated solely by personnel holding secret defence clearance, ASGARD guarantees the security, confidentiality and sovereignty of strategic data.

Operational Applications of AI in the Armed Forces

AI is now deployed across multiple military domains:

• Large-scale data analysis and processing

Advanced algorithms enable the collection, sorting and interpretation of massive volumes of data in real time, including satellite imagery, sensor outputs and operational intelligence. This significantly enhances reconnaissance, surveillance and decision-support capabilities.

• Intelligence and threat anticipation

AI tools support facial recognition, behavioural analysis and weak-signal detection in complex environments, improving early warning, anticipation and targeting accuracy.

• Smart logistics and process optimisation

In modern operations, where responsiveness and supply-chain efficiency are critical, AI is increasingly used to optimise logistics, maintenance planning and resource allocation.

Drones, Autonomous Systems and the Transformation of Warfare

Artificial intelligence is also reshaping the physical battlefield:

• Drones and autonomous platforms

AI-enabled unmanned systems — from surveillance drones to semi-autonomous combat platforms — are becoming widespread. On operational theatres such as Ukraine, these technologies have demonstrated their ability to automate critical functions including navigation, target recognition and mission execution, even in contested electromagnetic environments.

• Next-generation autonomous aerial systems

International programmes are progressing rapidly, with some autonomous or optionally piloted aerial platforms now entering advanced testing or early production phases.

While highly promising, these technologies raise significant ethical and legal concerns, particularly regarding human control over lethal decision-making and accountability in the event of malfunction or collateral damage.

The Intangible Battlefield: AI and Cyber Warfare

Beyond physical confrontation, AI has become a key enabler of cyber warfare and digital resilience. Increasingly automated and adaptive cyberattacks target critical infrastructures such as communication networks, command-and-control systems and energy grids. In response, AI-driven cyberdefence solutions are essential to detect, counter and anticipate threats in real time, offering a level of speed and adaptability unattainable by traditional methods.

However, the growing reliance on algorithmic systems also raises concerns about escalation risks and the need to maintain meaningful human oversight, particularly in strategic command architectures.

Ethical, Legal and Strategic Challenges

As AI-enabled systems gain autonomy and complexity, States face an urgent need to establish new legal and ethical frameworks capable of regulating these emerging forms of conflict. Such frameworks must ensure:

• clear accountability in case of failure or misuse,
• robust human supervision,
• protection of civilian populations and critical infrastructures.

Today, the pace of technological innovation continues to outstrip the development of international norms and regulations.

ISD and Artificial Intelligence: a Strategic Ambition

At ISD, we are actively exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance our activities and strengthen our operational differentiation.

We are currently engaging with AI specialists and industry experts to design a tailored solution aligned with our operational realities and business model.

Key areas under consideration include:

• advanced analysis of operational data,
• automation of repetitive and time-consuming processes,
• optimisation of workflows and organisational efficiency,
• predictive support for strategic decision-making.

Our objective is to develop a resilient, sovereign AI capability, fully aligned with ISD’s commitment to operational excellence and continuity.

Artificial intelligence is transforming defence at an unprecedented pace — from intelligence and cyber operations to autonomous systems and smart logistics.

In this rapidly evolving environment, technological mastery, digital sovereignty and strategic innovation have become essential prerequisites for any organisation seeking to remain effective and credible on the international stage.