The Swedish Defence University (SEDU) and the Norwegian Defence University College (NDUC) have tested the use of artificial intelligence in military planning during the Comprehensive Shield 2025 exercise.
Held at the Kjevik Leir base in Norway, the initiative explored how AI affects operational decision-making and military education.
During the exercise, students in NDUC’s master’s program in military studies assumed realistic roles within a simulated headquarters, practicing planning and coordination over three weeks.
Three teams worked on the same scenario using different approaches: one followed traditional NATO planning, another used AI support, and a third combined systems thinking and design methodology with AI assistance.
What AI Brought to the Table
Results showed that AI can enhance decision-making, improve creativity, and reduce mental workload. However, it also demanded new technical skills and a shift in how tasks are distributed within teams.
“It’s no magic solution, but in this case, it proved to be a powerful methodological and planning tool when used properly,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Peter Bovet Emanuel, PhD in War Studies and military teacher at the SEDU.
The teams’ approaches varied. The NATO planning team used AI continuously, finding it improved problem understanding and decision support.
In contrast, the design-methodology team used it less frequently, as the tool did not fully align with its workflow.
“This indicates that today’s AI-integrated decision support systems remain relatively specialized and may not be equally suitable for all types of planning or methodologies,” added Emanuel.
