Centuries ago, two tribes roamed the earth: the Neanderthals, known for their strength and brute force, and the Homo sapiens, who, although physically weaker, possessed intelligence and adaptability. While the Neanderthals mastered survival through physical prowess, the Sapiens used their wits, crafting tools and strategies to outsmart their environment. As winters grew colder and food became scarce, the Neanderthals, relying solely on strength, began to struggle. The Sapiens, however, adapted to the changing world, finding innovative ways to survive. Ultimately, the Neanderthals, faded into history, a testament to the age-old lesson: it’s not the strongest who survive, but the smartest.
Fast forward to modern times, the battlefield has changed, but the lesson remains the same. Today, militaries equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) are reenacting this ancient story, using technology to outmaneuver their adversaries. In a world where brute force is no longer enough, AI is reshaping military strategies, giving technologically advanced nations a decisive edge in warfare. The Russo-Ukraine war is a real-time example of how AI is deployed in modern battle theatres, the CEO of Palantir Technology called Ukraine a “living lab for AI warfare.”
AI weapon systems are proving the “third revolution in warfare,” after gunpowder and nuclear weapons. Another revolution unfolding before the world’s eyes has signaled a change in the character of warfare.
One of AI’s applications in warfare is its use in targeting opponents’ strategic sites and leadership. The digital age has dramatically shifted how battles are fought, with military personnel leaving behind cyber footprints. AI can now exploit these footprint data points, images, and social media presence to target enemy forces effectively. AI-enabled smart weapons consume data to locate the enemy, even if hashtags of opponent forces are exposed AI weapons precisely target the spot. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of information transforms military engagements, allowing commanders to identify and strike without ever setting foot in hostile territory.
AI has played a pivotal role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, dramatically enhancing precision targeting and intelligence gathering. A notable example is Ukraine’s strike on a Russian military post that killed General Vitaly Gerasimov. AI made this possible by processing data from satellite images and intercepted communications. AI’s ability to integrate target recognition with geospatial intelligence has evolved modern warfare, enabling rapid analysis of satellite imagery, drone footage, and even open-source data. By combining these data streams, AI provides strategic and tactical advantages, making it a game-changer on the battlefield.
Also, AI’s role in targeting goes beyond just identifying enemy positions. Ukraine, in coordination with private Western tech companies like Palantir Technologies, has developed software that integrates data from various sources. Many Western analysts are referring to this conflict as “software-driven warfare.” This fusion of data allows forces to act with speed and precision, targeting the opponent’s military assets with a level of accuracy that would have been challenging with traditional methods.
Moreover, in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, AI-enabled weapons have become critical on both sides. Russia has been at the forefront, deploying advanced AI-driven technologies such as loitering munitions—autonomous drones capable of identifying and striking targets without human intervention. These drones play a key role in counter-offensives and are highly effective in contested airspaces. Russia is using “smart” cruise missiles guided by AI, which are launched in swarms to overwhelm Ukrainian air-defense systems. The use of AI allows these missiles to operate with minimal radio communication, making them difficult for Ukrainians to detect and counter, despite having under heavy electronic jamming.
Ukraine, on the other hand, has relied heavily on the Turkish Bayraktar drones, which have been effective in targeting tanks and other military assets. However, over time, Russia has enhanced its air defenses and electronic jamming capabilities, rendering these remotely piloted drones more vulnerable and less effective. As a result, Ukraine has turned to AI-driven solutions, including commercial quadcopters adapted for dropping grenades in small-scale operations. A significant advantage of autonomous weapons, as opposed to remotely controlled ones, is their ability to function even when electronic communication is disrupted by jamming. Autonomous systems, powered by AI, can make rapid decisions on the battlefield, often reacting faster than any human-operated weapon.
As the conflict rages on, both Russia and Ukraine are increasingly turning to advanced technologies, recognizing that the future of warfare belongs to those who hinge on the speed, efficiency, and adaptability of autonomous systems. This shift signals a profound transformation in military strategy. Just as Homo sapiens once outsmarted the Neanderthals to survive, today’s armed forces must innovate or risk falling behind. Technology-driven systems now provide a decisive tactical edge, the Russo-Ukraine war is a clear demonstration of this reality, proving that in wars, as in nature, it’s not the strongest who survive, but the smartest. In this new era, those who embrace and adapt to cutting-edge technology will thrive, while those who fail to do so risk becoming the Neanderthals of the 21st century.
