From strategy to practical use. How Polish Armed Forces introduce AI
Photo. Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej/X
Polish Armed Forces are actively developing artificial intelligence. On today’s battlefields, innovations can often turn around the conduct of operations. Among Polish moves, the Center for AI Implementation is being created, while ensuring interoperability with NATO allies is one of the most important tasks.
The war in Ukraine has once again confirmed that battlefields evolve continuously. Drones and artificial intelligence were not widely used in the first phases of the Russian invasion, but both sides actively turned to innovations in order to gain the upper hand during fighting.
Strategy for AI came first
In July 2024, CyberDefence24 portal announced that Polish Armed Forces will gain a new body, Center for AI Implementation (Centrum Implementacji Sztucznej Inteligencji). While a completely separate entity, it will still be responsible to Cyberspace Defence Forces commander, Div. Gen. Karol Molenda. From the financial side, it will be supported by Ministry of National Defence.
The development did not stop here, however. In November 2024 the Ministry has also released the AI strategy for period up to 2039. It aims to create conditions suitable for responsible development, implementation and usage of artificial intelligence. At the same time it’s remarked that many changes are needed, among others:
- Changes to organizational culture and operation principles inside the Ministry,
- Creation and maintenance of required skills,
- Encouragement of research and development processes,
- Carrying out necessary works in telecommunications infrastructure.
Prior to the publication, there were no plans regarding investments management or development of proper attitudes in order to implement the AI. No entity could also be indicated as the one responsible for management and supervision. „The effective use of available resources was not possible” – determined the strategy.
AI in active military use
Since then, the viewpoint of Polish military has developed further. During Defence24 Days event, Brig. Gen. Piotr Chodowiec from Polish General Staff remarked, that owning AI isn’t everything. The crucial thing is interoperability – both internal and with allies.
The benefits from artificial intelligence on battlefields might not come only In the forward lines. Chodowiec said that soldiers don’t have time for analyze current situation based on satellite imagery or other sources, and danger assessment. AI can do this, while also taking into account the current combat potential.
Also, far away from the public eye and behind closed doors, AI is already used by Polish Armed Forces. According to Brig. Gen. Mariusz Chmielewski, Deputy Commander of the Cyberspace Defence Forces, the data used by artificial intelligence does not leave military systems. Large Language Models (LLMs) cannot be used while in open web – they operate in closed military environment in order to maintain safety and security.
