The deployment of artificial intelligence within military forces stands as a pressing issue that cannot be ignored, according to a former commander of GROM, General Roman Polko, who spoke in a studio program. He emphasized that air defense systems should be reinforced with AI support first.
Maj. Gen. Karol Molenda, who leads the Cyberspace Defense Forces Component, announced in late July that a new Polish Army unit is taking shape. The Artificial Intelligence Implementation Center is envisioned to integrate AI-driven solutions that assist commanders in making informed, timely decisions.
The capability to rapidly parse vast data streams offers a tangible advantage to commanders during decision-making processes, Molenda noted. He described the AI tool as a potential game changer in modern warfare.
“The artificial intelligence system must be well prepared.”
In response to these developments, General Polko underscored that the KWOC commander and their teams are operating at the strategic edge of cyberspace combat. He described AI integration as a major challenge that cannot be sidestepped.
Clearly, air defense should be the initial recipient of AI augmentation. Deliberations on missile launch readiness can be highly consequential and time sensitive, even when conducted at political levels. An AI-enabled system must be robust and reliable to support rapid, accurate responses.
Polko cautioned that AI implementation carries potential risks as well as benefits. Systems must be designed in a way that minimizes the chances of escalation or tragic errors, ensuring responsible, controlled use in critical operations.
The use of AI systems in the military
During July briefings, Molenda reiterated that when AI features are employed, the final decision rests with the commander. Modern sensors embedded in new platforms, such as fighter jets, can process enormous data in real time and propose optimal courses of action based on operational conditions. He stressed that nations across Europe and beyond are pursuing AI-enabled decision support to strengthen military advantage.
Looking ahead, Molenda described a forward-looking plan that centers on AI-assisted decision support as a core capability for future operations. The aim is to ensure that commanders have timely, data-driven insights without compromising human oversight in critical moments.
The evolving role of artificial intelligence in defense reflects a broader trend toward smarter, more adaptive systems that can gather and interpret information from multiple sources. The emphasis remains on delivering actionable intelligence while preserving human judgment where it matters most in the chain of command.
Overall, the ongoing efforts to embed AI into the Polish Army illustrate a careful balance between leveraging advanced analytics and maintaining robust safeguards. The focus is on enabling faster, more accurate decisions, strengthening resilience, and reducing the likelihood of misinterpretations in high-pressure situations. The collaboration between defense leadership and technology teams is expected to accelerate as AI capabilities mature, supporting both national security aims and the safety of personnel involved in modern combat operations.
These developments reflect a strategic intent shared by many allied nations: to harness artificial intelligence to sharpen situational awareness, speed up decision cycles, and improve outcomes while maintaining strict control over critical judgments in warfare. The path forward involves continued investment, rigorous testing, and clear governance to ensure that AI serves as a reliable force multiplier rather than a source of uncertainty on the battlefield.