Bundeswehr seeks sovereign AI alternative for digital battlefields

The German Bundeswehr is conducting a market exploration of 30 companies to develop AI-driven software for digital battlefields. The goal is to automate the real-time analysis of battlefield data. Vice Admiral Thomas Daum, Inspector of the Cyber and Information Domain, stated that a prototype could be presented by the second quarter of 2027, with a full operational alternative to current systems expected by mid-2028.

The military is specifically seeking a sovereign alternative to the US-based Palantir, whose software is being excluded due to sovereignty concerns. Most candidates in the selection process are German companies, such as Hensoldt, which is collaborating with the AI defense startup Helsing. Other participants include the French provider Chapsvision.

In a related development, GFT Technologies and Intec Industrie-Technik GmbH have formed a strategic partnership to modernize critical defense systems. Announced at the ILA Berlin Air Show, the collaboration aims to provide sovereign AI solutions and data expertise to help defense organizations manage complex mission-critical systems while maintaining operational control and security.