Code & Conflict: AI in Hybrid Warfare

At Cybertech Global Tel Aviv today (Tuesday), Avi Schechter, CEO of MER Group, delivered an insightful talk on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern warfare. He outlined how AI is reshaping conflicts, from pre-war destabilization to battlefield tactics and post-conflict influence operations.

The Hybrid Battlefield: Wars Begin Long Before the First Shot

According to Schechter, traditional warfare—where conflicts begin with tanks rolling in—has been replaced by a hybrid model. Today, wars start much earlier, sometimes years in advance, through AI-driven destabilization, cyber infiltration, and digital manipulation. AI is used to prepare the ground for conflict by shaping public perception, spreading disinformation, and weakening adversaries long before physical confrontations occur.

AI has also become a great equalizer in military power. In the past, military dominance was determined by the size of armies and the sophistication of fighter jets. Now, even smaller nations and non-state actors, such as North Korea and Hamas, leverage AI capabilities to close the gap with technologically superior adversaries.

AI on the Battlefield

Schechter highlighted the Russia-Ukraine war as a prime example of AI’s impact on modern conflicts. Ukraine, despite being the underdog, has significantly enhanced its battlefield capabilities by deploying AI-powered drones and autonomous weapons. These tools have given Ukrainian forces strategic advantages that were previously beyond their reach.

During active combat, AI is deployed both at the tactical level—assisting soldiers on the ground—and at the strategic level, where real-time battlefield data is used to run simulations and optimize decision-making. AI-controlled weapons and coordinated attacks are now fundamental components of modern warfare.

Post-Conflict: The War Doesn’t End When the Fighting Stops

Even after physical combat ends, the conflict continues in the digital sphere. AI-driven campaigns sustain narratives, manipulate public opinion, and work to destabilize adversaries long after a ceasefire. According to Schechter, AI remains a critical tool in shaping post-war realities by influencing global discourse and maintaining pressure on opposing forces.

The Future of Warfare: Adapt or Fall Behind

Schechter concluded with a stark warning: nations that fail to integrate AI into their military operations—at tactical, strategic, and operational levels—will struggle to win future wars. AI is no longer just an advantage; it is a necessity for modern military success.

Cybertech Global Tel Aviv continues to explore how emerging technologies like AI are redefining the landscape of global security and warfare.