How AI and Secure Communications are Shaping the Future of Defense

By Mickey Miller, CEO, Vislink

I recently attended the AI Defense Summit, where I had the opportunity to gain some critical insights into how artificial intelligence is being integrated into military operations. One of the key themes that emerged was the importance of using AI with purpose. AI should not be deployed for the sake of adopting new technology-it must deliver real, mission-critical value, especially in a world where regional conflicts are escalating. Used responsibly, AI can be a powerful force for good, helping to protect lives and safeguard communities by enhancing decision-making and response times in complex and dangerous environments.

This point was echoed by many leaders at the event, including Morgan Adamski, the Executive Director of U.S. Cyber Command, who pointed out that AI has been around for a long time in government operations. The key is ensuring that AI supports the mission and strengthens defense capabilities, rather than adding unnecessary complexity. With the right applications, AI can contribute to a safer, more secure world by making military operations more efficient, precise, and ultimately protective of human life.

Schuyler Moore, Chief Technology Officer of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), also reinforced this idea in her presentation. She emphasized that before adopting AI, it's crucial to evaluate several factors: Do we have the right data to train and sustain the AI models? Do we have the computing power to process that data? And does the AI provide outputs that are interpretable and actionable by the people who need them? In short, AI needs to be reliable, useful, and seamlessly integrated into workflows​.

That means getting the connection between edge computing (onboard systems) and centralized processing right. While some AI functions can be performed at the edge to enable real-time decision-making, there are limits to how much computing power can be applied there. Complex analyses and large-scale data processing often require more robust, centralized computing systems. The challenge lies in striking the right balance: ensuring that AI-enabled devices at the edge can make quick, accurate decisions while leveraging more powerful computing offsite for deeper, long-term analysis.

It's clear that communications will be a critical enabler for AI in defense. No matter how advanced the AI is, if you don't have secure and reliable communication channels, the technology won't reach its full potential. AI relies on the ability to transfer data quickly and safely. Whether it's edge devices making real-time decisions or centralized systems performing larger computations, communication technology is essential to link the two and ensure seamless operation.

At Vislink, we are laser-focused on this critical need for secure, high-bandwidth, and resilient communications. Our mission is to support warfighters and defense teams by providing the connectivity that allows AI to operate effectively, ensuring that critical data flows smoothly and securely. As AI continues to shape the future of defense, we're excited to be at the forefront.