Artificial Intelligence in Modern Warfare

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has profoundly transformed the landscape of modern warfare, reshaping military strategies, defence systems, and global security dynamics. Defence Studies, as a field concerned with conflict, security, and national power, provides a crucial framework for understanding how AI-driven technologies—such as autonomous drones, intelligent surveillance systems, decision-support algorithms, and cyber-warfare tools—are redefining combat operations and strategic planning. This paper examines the complex interaction between AI and contemporary warfare, focusing on its influence on military effectiveness, battlefield automation, threat detection, and ethical considerations. By integrating defence theories with emerging technological trends, the study highlights how AI enhances precision, speed, and tactical advantage while simultaneously raising concerns about accountability, algorithmic bias, escalation risks, and autonomous weaponization. The analysis reveals that although AI strengthens defence capabilities, it also introduces new vulnerabilities and security challenges. This research emphasizes the need for a balanced defence perspective to understand both the opportunities and risks created by the integration of artificial intelligence into modern warfare.