US, UK Advance AI-Driven Battlefield Targeting Systems

The U.S. Department of Defense, British Army, and allied militaries are accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence for battlefield planning and targeting, as demonstrated by recent projects and exercises. The U.S. Air Force's 'Experiment 3' utilized the Maven Smart System to streamline decision-making and automate targeting, while also highlighting the continued value of human intuition. The Defense Innovation Unit's Thunderforge project is developing an AI system that leverages multiple digital agents to provide commanders with improved scenario simulations and multi-domain analysis. Concurrently, the British Army's ASGARD system, trialed in NATO exercises, employs AI and advanced communications to enhance targeting speed and accuracy, aiming for full deployment by 2027. These efforts, influenced by lessons from conflicts like Ukraine, signal a broader shift towards AI integration to strengthen military effectiveness and maintain strategic superiority. The trend highlights collaboration across militaries, governments, and industries to deliver advanced digital capabilities.