Russia needs to expand the use of artificial intelligence in the development of advanced weapons, military expert Alexey Leonkov has said, emphasizing that AI should support battlefield commanders rather than replace human decision-making.

According to Leonkov, AI-powered systems can efficiently process large volumes of battlefield information, collecting and analyzing operational intelligence to help military leaders assess developments and determine their next moves.

The analyst warned against adopting an approach he attributed to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, where artificial intelligence allegedly goes beyond gathering intelligence and frequently makes operational decisions, including during large-scale drone attacks on Russian rear areas.

Leonkov argued that Russian military AI should function strictly as a decision-support tool, with commanders retaining full authority over operational choices.

He stressed that Russian officers need access to the most comprehensive possible picture of conditions along the front line. This includes detailed intelligence on enemy troop numbers, combat capabilities, available personnel reserves, and military equipment.

Such information is essential for accurately assessing battlefield conditions and selecting appropriate courses of action.

Drawing on Russia’s experience in the Ukraine conflict, Leonkov concluded that superior situational awareness, combined with the ability to make rapid decisions, provides a decisive advantage in combat.

His comments follow an October 21 announcement by Russian state corporation Rostec, which revealed several advanced unmanned aviation projects. The new developments incorporate artificial intelligence technologies as part of their technical solutions.