Transforming defence analytics with generative AI

Advanced analytics capabilities can improve how Defence gains tactical and strategic insights. By deploying cutting-edge technologies — particularly AI innovations — Defence can build a more cohesive analytical ecosystem that spans all services. This approach positions data as a genuine force multiplier. Within secure environments, personnel can access and analyse information using standardised tools, bringing together diverse data streams from all three services into a unified framework. This integration enhances decision-making speed and enables seamless information sharing between military commands and defence agencies.

But collecting vast amounts of data swiftly and effectively is one thing, and preparing it for meaningful analysis is another. This has traditionally been a time-intensive task that prevents staff from focusing on the real task at hand — the analysis — rather than supporting data collection. However, capabilities such Automatic Import have now shortened the task from weeks to minutes.This dramatic reduction in integration time translates to lower costs and faster time to insight.

Generative AI can automate what has traditionally been one of the most time-consuming aspects of data analysis: preparing and integrating custom data sources. By analysing just a few sample log lines, the system identifies patterns and automatically generates the necessary integration components. This eliminates the manual burden of developing parsing logic and normalisation pipelines — reducing a task that previously required days of specialised coding effort to minutes.

For defence teams with specialised systems, this capability is a significant boost. Custom security-relevant technologies and applications that previously existed in data silos can now be seamlessly incorporated into a unified security view.

Defence leaders are calling for greater standardisation of data to support collaboration, interoperability, and faster intelligence sharing across services. A data mesh approach responds to this need by normalising diverse datasets through the Elastic Common Schema (ECS), making it easier for teams to work together and share insights.

When information from disparate systems can be searched and analysed holistically — through capabilities like cross-cluster search, secure cross-service intelligence sharing can become a reality. AI can be used to quickly and easily bring in data from any source — even those without prebuilt integrations — so you can start searching and analysing it right away. Uniform analysis with dashboards, search capabilities, alerting mechanisms, and machine learning tools creates a comprehensive operational picture. 

Faster data integration means more agile analytics, supporting timely, actionable insights for decision-makers at all levels.

The same principles apply to Elastic’s broader AI-enabled security tooling. Capabilities like Automatic Import, AI Assistant, and Attack Discovery are designed to ease the operational burden on overstretched teams by automating detection, summarising threat behaviour, and accelerating investigations across complex datasets.

By integrating these functions into a unified platform, defence teams can improve analyst efficiency without multiplying tools or adding complexity. Rather than replacing human expertise, AI augments it, freeing teams to focus on critical threats. For overstretched analysts, this means more time focused on threat response and fewer hours maintaining fragmented workflows. Organisations using this approach report reduced complexity, improved workforce efficiency, and more agile decision-making.

The result: a resilient, efficient data environment that supports better use of internal expertise. In an era where both agility and accountability matter, this kind of operational ROI goes beyond cost; it directly supports mission readiness.

Discover how AI and cross-agency data visibility can accelerate cyber defence readiness while maintaining control, compliance, and confidence across complex environments. Watch the full discussion in our webinar series Mission advantage: Strategic conversations with defence leaders.

Explore additional resources:

• Elastic generative AI tools and capabilities

• Elastic Common Schema

• Elastic accelerates SIEM data onboarding with Automatic Import powered by Search AI

• Total Economic Impact of Elasticsearch 

The release and timing of any features or functionality described in this post remain at Elastic's sole discretion. Any features or functionality not currently available may not be delivered on time or at all.

In this blog post, we may have used or referred to third party generative AI tools, which are owned and operated by their respective owners. Elastic does not have any control over the third party tools and we have no responsibility or liability for their content, operation or use, nor for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such tools. Please exercise caution when using AI tools with personal, sensitive or confidential information. Any data you submit may be used for AI training or other purposes. There is no guarantee that information you provide will be kept secure or confidential. You should familiarize yourself with the privacy practices and terms of use of any generative AI tools prior to use. 

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