The Military Needs Frontier Models

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in military decision-making, not all models offer the same level of capability or reliability. This paper explains why frontier AI models—built with far greater scale and reasoning capacity—are increasingly critical for modern warfare, cyber defense, and operational planning. It explores how advanced models outperform smaller systems in handling complexity, retaining context, and supporting high-stakes analysis. The discussion also raises important considerations around data security, governance, and the risks of relying on “good enough” AI in mission-critical environments.