The German military’s top commander has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) and drones are fundamentally transforming the nature of modern warfare, but human soldiers and armored vehicles will continue to play a crucial role on the battlefield.
Christian Freuding emphasized that future battlefields will increasingly rely on digital systems, AI-supported command networks, and unmanned technologies capable of accelerating decision-making during military operations.
According to Freuding, armed forces must focus on developing several key capabilities, including:
- Air defense systems
- Long-range strike capabilities
- Electromagnetic warfare
- Integration of guided and autonomous systems into joint military operations
He noted that AI-based command and control systems will be vital for processing the vast amounts of data generated during combat, enabling faster and more effective operational decisions.
However, Freuding stressed that technological advances will not eliminate the need for human personnel. He argued that tanks and armored vehicles will evolve into command hubs for autonomous systems rather than disappear from military service.
“The decision to use force will always remain a human one,” he stated, rejecting the idea of a fully autonomous battlefield in the foreseeable future.
His remarks reflect a broader shift in military doctrines worldwide, where technologies such as AI, drones, autonomous systems, and electronic warfare are becoming increasingly central to defense planning. At the same time, military leaders continue to emphasize that human judgment, leadership, and accountability remain indispensable elements of warfare.
