Software Defined Defense

As the geopolitical landscape changes rapidly, defense technology must become more flexible, faster, and more interconnected. The Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems IKS is driving this transformation: away from rigid, hardware-centric platforms towards Software Defined Defense (SDD).

Artificial intelligence and intelligent software systems are playing an increasingly important role in defense. They are already used in a wide range of applications. Yet particularly in the defense sector, a responsible approach to these systems is of critical importance in order to ensure human safety at all times.

Traditional defense systems are often tightly coupled to specific hardware, making updates time-consuming and costly. Software Defined Defense aims to change this: software determines the capabilities, while hardware becomes a standardized, long-lived foundation. At the core of this approach is the decoupling of hardware and software, along with a modular architecture built on clear, ideally open interfaces. This modularity allows software modules such as sensor integration, communications, or data analysis to be easily incorporated and reused across platforms.

Software Defined Defense enables capabilities to be adapted more quickly in response to emerging threats, shorter innovation cycles, and improved interoperability. Security and functional updates can be deployed rapidly, making systems more resilient against cyber threats.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in defense helps to rapidly analyze large volumes of data, identify patterns, and support decision-making. It also plays a significant role in the context of Software Defined Defense.

Possible AI application scenarios in defense include (semi-)autonomous systems for the protection of personnel and critical infrastructure, the optimization of infrastructure and logistics, and cyber defense applications.

A particular focus in defense is on Autonomous Systems (UxS). The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft states in its position paper for the 2025 federal election: "They expand the capabilities of armed forces despite potential equipment shortages, while simultaneously reducing operational risk for soldiers."

To develop autonomous systems rapidly and cost-effectively, it is essential that these systems can both be reliably controlled and are capable of fulfilling their tasks autonomously. AI methods are relevant in areas such as:

• Data processing and analysis
• Cooperation among distributed systems
• Decision-making
• Mission planning
• Safe and compliant operation

Even when contact with the operator is lost, systems must be capable of making decisions, for example, to abort a mission.

Intelligent systems and Artificial Intelligence are already being deployed in defense worldwide, enhancing the effectiveness, speed, precision, and scale of military operations. Armed forces, including the Bundeswehr, use AI to maintain operational readiness and respond more rapidly to emerging threats.

The use of Artificial Intelligence in defense raises technical, ethical, and legal challenges.

Within Software Defined Defense, a key technical challenge is the speed at which systems must be developed and evolved. These systems must be able to adapt as quickly as possible to new technologies and situations. They must therefore be as flexible and adaptive as possible, while remaining fully reliable at all times.

Open questions remain regarding how AI systems are certified and governed. The handling of sensitive data, system security, and the question of when human oversight must be retained are central concerns in this context.

AI in defense must be deployed responsibly. It may only be used in accordance with democratic values and human rights. Ethical guidelines and clear rules are essential to ensure that AI systems remain transparent and explainable. Humans must always retain the final say in critical decisions (Human-in-the-Loop), ensuring that the use of AI remains accountable.

Fraunhofer IKS is committed to the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and conducts research with the goal to better protect people through the deployment of trustworthy and transparent intelligent systems.

Software Defined Defense and Artificial Intelligence are fundamentally transforming the defense sector. The responsible use of AI is essential to building trust and ensuring safety. Fraunhofer IKS therefore conducts research into trustworthy AI and intelligent systems, including for defense applications.

To the solutions