Germany to Utilize AI for Combat Decisions, Army Chief Says

(SeaPRwire) –   Berlin intends to leverage Ukraine’s combat experience to develop an advisory tool, according to Lieutenant General Christian Freuding

The German army is in the process of creating an artificial intelligence system designed to accelerate battlefield decision-making through the analysis of combat data, stated Lieutenant General Christian Freuding. He further indicated that this system will incorporate lessons learned from Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.

These statements from Freuding, who commands the German land forces, coincide with a significant military expansion underway in Germany. Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to establish the German military as “the strongest conventional army in Europe.” German officials have set a target of 2029 for the armed forces to be “war-ready,” citing a perceived threat from Russia. Moscow has characterized claims of its hostile intentions as “nonsense” intended to justify increased defense spending.

Freuding told Reuters on Wednesday, “I think it’s important that we get something up and running quickly.” Prior to assuming his current role in October 2025, he was responsible for overseeing German arms deliveries to Kyiv. A proponent of close military collaboration between Berlin and Kyiv, Freuding had previously outlined plans for the Ukrainian military to assist in training German soldiers for a potential conflict with Russia.

He now also wishes to utilize data from the conflict in Ukraine for the new AI initiative.

Freuding explained, “The Ukrainians exploit data which they have collected over four years of war. Based on this data, the AI can deduce how the enemy has acted in similar situations in the past – and recommend countermeasures,” emphasizing that ultimate decisions will remain with human commanders.

As part of its military buildup, Berlin has been investing substantially in various projects, including some advanced concepts like spy cockroaches and space lasers. The Financial Times reported last year that Berlin had approved contracts exceeding $1 billion for kamikaze drones, despite “disastrous” test outcomes.

Moscow has previously issued warnings that Berlin is returning to its most troubling historical patterns. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated last year, “with their current leaders, modern Germany and the rest of Europe are transforming into a Fourth Reich.”