AI-Assisted Targeting and Command & Control in European Defence
Accelerating the kill chain and decision cycles in high-intensity, multi-domain operations
AI-assisted targeting and command & control address a structural vulnerability in modern warfare: the inability of traditional, human-centric decision processes to keep pace with high-speed, high-density multi-domain conflict. In environments characterised by hypersonic threats, drone swarms, electronic warfare and cyber disruption, delays in data fusion and engagement sequencing translate directly into mission failure. This analysis examines how AI-enabled data processing, sensor fusion and automated decision support are being integrated into NATO’s digital backbone and EU defence initiatives to compress reaction times, preserve targeting accuracy and maintain operational tempo. It evaluates performance thresholds, architectural dependencies and industrial supply-chain risks that will determine whether Europe can field resilient, interoperable AI-C2 systems capable of sustaining decision superiority through 2035.