European countries are rapidly expanding the use of artificial intelligence in military operations, shifting from limited experimentation to integrating advanced AI systems into core defence strategies as governments respond to growing geopolitical tensions and evolving battlefield demands.
The latest development came this week when Germany and Ukraine launched the “Brave Germany” programme, a joint initiative expected to include around 5,000 AI-enabled medium-range strike drones. The agreement highlights Europe’s increasing focus on combining artificial intelligence with defence technology as nations seek faster decision-making, improved battlefield awareness and stronger deterrence capabilities.
Defence analysts say several European states, particularly Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Ukraine, are now leading efforts to incorporate AI into military planning, surveillance and weapons systems.
Artificial intelligence has already been used by European armed forces for more than a decade in areas such as logistics, maintenance and personnel management. Researchers say progress accelerated around 2015 as military planners recognised the growing potential of AI technologies.
According to experts at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, current investment is largely centred on two areas: semi-autonomous weapons systems and AI-assisted decision support systems. These technologies are designed to improve operational planning, battlefield management and tactical analysis while still leaving final decisions in human hands.
Germany has emerged as one of the most active countries in the sector. In recent years, Berlin signed agreements with Munich-based defence technology company Helsing to develop AI systems for the Future Combat Air System, Europe’s next-generation fighter jet programme. Germany has also partnered with Swedish defence firm Saab to integrate AI into Eurofighter electronic warfare systems.
Another major contract worth €269 million will allow Helsing to manufacture AI-enabled loitering munitions, commonly known as kamikaze drones, for German and NATO forces.
The United Kingdom has also expanded its AI ambitions through the Asgard programme, introduced in 2025. The project combines reconnaissance systems, sensors, weapons and AI-supported decision tools aimed at improving battlefield coordination and response times.
Britain has also strengthened ties with American software company Palantir Technologies, which pledged investments of up to £1.5 billion to support AI development in the country.
France, meanwhile, is focusing on building independent European AI capabilities. Paris has partnered with French AI firm Mistral AI to provide advanced AI models and software for military and public sector use, reflecting broader European efforts to reduce reliance on American technology companies.
European Union institutions are also moving forward with AI defence projects under the European Defence Fund. Recent funding rounds included projects involving sovereign European AI support systems, military-focused large language models and AI-assisted artillery technologies.
Despite rapid progress, analysts warn that Europe still faces challenges in turning plans into operational systems quickly enough. Defence experts say bureaucratic procedures and slower political decision-making could delay deployment as other global powers continue to expand their military AI capabilities at a faster pace.
