Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword. The rapid evolution of AI is transforming every facet of modern life, and it’s rewriting the rules of defense and security as we know them. AI-powered solutions promise to revolutionize defense capabilities—from autonomous drones and predictive analytics to enhanced battlefield decision-making. But as the race for AI in the military accelerates, so does the urgency to address its implications. Integrating AI, machine learning (ML), and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT into military strategies requires nations to establish clear criteria for military AI.
Can Europe keep up?
Can Europe keep up in the field of new AI-based military technology? What role can the European Union play in shaping the global debate on the use of AI in military applications? Most importantly, how can Europe safeguard its strategic autonomy in a world where technological superiority increasingly means power? This year’s Berlin Security Conference on European Security (BSC) sought answers to these high-stakes questions of military relevance, dealing also with hybrid warfare and cyber defense. The conference also tackled crucial political issues like resilience and technological sovereignty of the EU, the reshaping of military strategies of the participating NATO member countries, as well as ethical questions balancing military innovation with responsibility.
The BSC, held every autumn since 2001 in Berlin, is one of the largest events on European security and defense. It serves as an international forum for members of parliaments, politicians, senior executives of the military, security organizations, and industry. This year, it drew participants from European institutions, a large number of members of national parliaments and the European Parliament, as well as representatives of NATO. The war in Ukraine and its impacts on the EU, NATO, OSCE, and UN; the significance of new NATO members Sweden and Finland for defense in Northern and Central Europe.
The Use of AI in the Military
“At the current stage of AI development, as we are in a democratic society, we must address ethical standards and norms,” Inga Elsholz-Krüger from the Centre for Digitization of the Bundeswehr said. Ethical concerns may lead to moral dilemmas, particularly in decision-making when deploying military AI on the battlefield. Ensuring compliance with common international ethical standards and norms has become increasingly important.
