JUNE 30, 2026 – Modern defense operations are growing increasingly intelligent as operators shift towards more autonomous, data-informed workflows. With aid from emerging technologies like AI, agencies can collect, understand and act on critical data more efficiently than ever before.
In recent years, the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) has solidified its position as one of the world’s leading investors in emerging informational technologies, with the DoD holding the largest number of AI contracts and greatest contract value among all U.S. government agencies as of 2026; emerging technologies are increasingly central to defense operations.
With defense spending continuing to rise and interest growing in the practical benefits of smart military technologies, the way critical insights are gathered and leveraged is changing, here’s how emerging surveillance technologies are reshaping modern defense operations.
Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
The speed, precision and efficiency at which UAS can be deployed across warzones and areas of military interest is enabling operators to dramatically improve high-risk surveillance operations. AI-enabled, remote-accessible UAS can now navigate, identify objects of interest and execute coordinated exercises autonomously, acting to reduce risk to human personnel.
AI-imbued military security technology deployed both onboard UAS and at staffed command centers is enabling frontline operators to visualize key intelligence and act on critical insights more effectively. Real-time information gathered by UAS can be instantly analyzed for signs of anomalous and dangerous activities, helping teams to adjust operations as needs change.
The degree to which these types of surveillance technologies are acting to enhance defense operations can be seen in the DoD’s commitment to funding autonomous UAS; the FY 2026 budget portions $13.4 billion to be spent on the development and deployment of autonomous systems, $9.4 billion of which is specifically earmarked for intelligent, remote-controlled UAS.
AI-Augmented Sensor and Targeting Systems
A further use for emerging surveillance tech in the military sphere is in the enhancement of sensor systems and associated targeting arrays. Edge AI solutions deployed directly on key data collection devices like cameras and IoT sensors enable operators to effectively analyze visual and environmental data in real-time, acting as a force-multiplier to quicken responses.
Studies suggest that the deployment of such solutions can help to reduce false alarm rates by more than 88%, empowering operators to identify potential threats and begin to plan and enact appropriate responses with prompt efficiency. In addition, AI can be used to augment sensor systems with geospatial intelligence from arrays of fixed, mobile and aerial cameras, enabling teams to create evolving intelligence maps built to enhance surveillance operations.
Recently published data reveals the practical value in leveraging these types of surveillance technologies, with MAG Aerospace reporting that AI-augmented decision support tools allow military operators to complete 12% more operational tasks and perform complex workflows as much as 25% faster in comparison to traditional, unassisted human performance metrics.
Smart Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Workflows
Just as emerging surveillance technologies are being deployed to improve visual intelligence workflows, such solutions are providing practical benefits in the realm of SIGINT. Both AI and machine learning technologies are well-positioned to enhance SIGINT operations, as one of the greatest challenges faced by personnel concerns the processing of vast volumes of data.
The integration of these emerging technologies into SIGINT operations enables stakeholders to analyze vast data volumes and precisely identify anomalous activities with unprecedented efficiency. By responsibly deploying AI for this purpose, leaders can act to quicken the speed of intelligence gathering while reducing operator fatigue to help improve detection capabilities.
At a time when cyber-attacks against military and critical infrastructure are continuing to rise, the importance of swift, precise and continuous communications analyses has never been so great. By integrating emerging surveillance technologies into SIGINT workflows, leaders are motivating personnel to take a more proactive approach to comms-based defense operations.
Final Thoughts
Emerging surveillance technologies imbued with AI and machine learning capabilities are likely to play a pivotal role in reshaping defense operations for years to come. By providing operators with greater insight into threats and more precise data to act on, technologies like AI-powered UAS, sensor and SIGINT solutions are facilitating proactive defense operations.
As the capabilities of these technologies grow clearer, both governmental and wider public support increases, with projects receiving billions of dollars in funding and 41% of the public now viewing AI as beneficial to military threat detection. As military personnel become more accustomed to leveraging such solutions, increasingly sophisticated workflows may emerge.