Comparison of the Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in the Armed Forces of the United States, the People’s Republic of China, and Ukraine in 2015–2025

Abstract

The article examines the use of artificial intelligence in military applications in the United States of America, the People’s Republic of China, and Ukraine, as these countries are among the leading actors in this field. The authors focus primarily on the development of organizational structures responsible for the advancement of artificial intelligence within the armed forces.

The study analyzes the application of artificial intelligence technologies in various domains, including the planning and execution of information and psychological operations, the planning and calculation of defensive and offensive operations, as well as the use of remote weapon systems for target engagement. The selection of these countries is обусловлено the fact that the United States and China have currently achieved the greatest success in the development of artificial intelligence systems. Ukraine, in turn, actively applies artificial intelligence in the development and deployment of modern weapon systems and in information and psychological operations.

The article describes the development of artificial intelligence in the U.S. Army. In particular, in 2018, the U.S. Department of Defense began systematically building institutional governance of artificial intelligence — from the adoption of the first AI Strategy to the establishment of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, and later the position and office of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer. The formation of the AI Rapid Capabilities Cell in 2024 is also examined, as it ensures the rapid implementation of AI technologies in combat operations and administrative processes of the U.S. Army in cooperation with private companies.

The study also analyzes the development of artificial intelligence technologies in the armed forces of the People’s Republic of China. In particular, the Chinese model of AI development is considered, which originates from state strategies such as “Made in China 2025” and the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan. The role of military research institutions of China in shaping the military AI ecosystem is identified.

The article highlights that the Armed Forces of Ukraine largely demonstrate an orientation toward the American model of development of digital and artificial intelligence technologies in the defense sector. In particular, by analyzing the evolution of the national digital transformation system — from the establishment of the relevant directorate within the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine to the introduction of the position of Deputy Minister for Digitalization and the creation of the state enterprise “Digital Army” — it is possible to identify certain similarities with the American model.