AI as Enabler and Threat – The Future of C4ISR, Autonomy, and Cyber Resilience

This panel explores how AI and autonomy are reshaping the modern battlefield—transforming combat operations, C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and cyber operations, and what are the benefits for the end-user and threats arisen. 

Drawing from frontline experience in Ukraine, where real-time data fusion and autonomous response systems have proven critical in various aspects of combat, speakers will examine how AI-driven technologies can accelerate detection, sensing and robustness, decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and reduce cognitive burden on operators. At the same time, they will address the growing risks—from adversarial AI to vulnerabilities in digital command networks. This includes the impact of the EU regulations and procedures to the outlook of AI technologies up to the projected strategically autonomous development and production capabilities of EU. 

Topics include: 

• Lessons from Ukraine on AI use in defence 
• Lessons from Ukraine on fast development of disruptive technologies 
• How autonomy and C4ISR are redefining battlefield dynamics 
• The dual role of AI: capability accelerator and cyber threat 
• The impact of AI on the operational effectiveness of autonomous or computer-intensive systems. 
• Practical benefits of modular, AI-enabled systems for end-users 
• Cyber resilience and trusted decision-making under pressure