German army preparing to introduce dozens of AI systems from 2027
The Bundeswehr is evaluating around 30 artificial intelligence tools intended to speed up decision-making on the battlefield and expects to start introducing such systems from 2027.
Reuters reports this, citing a senior representative of the German armed forces.
The scale of the Bundeswehr's work with artificial intelligence is much broader. According to official data from the German army, its internal database of AI projects already contains more than 400 entries - from information analysis and logistics systems to technologies directly related to intelligence and battlefield management.
One of the key combat projects is Uranos KI. Its procurement was approved by the German parliament in December 2025. The system is being developed for tactical surveillance of large areas on NATO's eastern flank.
Uranos KI's task is to reduce the time between target detection, transmission of information to command, and possible use of weapons. Artificial intelligence is supposed to collect data from various air and ground sensor platforms and combine them into a single battlefield picture in near real time.
The system is to be first received by German troops deployed in Lithuania. According to the Bundeswehr's plan, the first version of Uranos KI should be handed over to two combat battalions of the Lithuania brigade by mid-2027.
AI will integrate data from drones, radars and satellites
According to Handelsblatt, Uranos KI is in fact meant to become a digital command post. The system will receive data from radars, drones, cameras, satellites, laser systems and other reconnaissance means, after which algorithms will analyze them and form a current situational picture.
This approach should allow military personnel to control significant territories with fewer people and respond faster to changes on the battlefield.
Handelsblatt previously estimated the cost of the Uranos KI project at approximately €170 million. Two teams are competing for the technology development: Airbus is working together with German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems, while defense AI startup Helsing is working with developer of ground robotic platforms ARX Robotics.
The Bundeswehr is testing solutions from both teams and will later choose a system for further scaling.
Uranos KI is part of the broader digital transformation of the German land forces. The Bundeswehr is simultaneously integrating drones, air defense systems, ground unmanned platforms and digital command systems into a single information environment.
During demonstrations, the Bundeswehr has already shown Uranos KI working together with air and ground reconnaissance assets. The system collects information from different platforms and creates an operational picture that should help command see battlefield changes faster and make decisions.
The eastern flank of NATO has become one of the main directions of this rearmament. The German brigade in Lithuania is to achieve full combat readiness by the end of 2027, and AI reconnaissance and command systems are supposed to become one of the elements of its equipment.
Sources: Reuters, Bundeswehr, Handelsblatt
