New Lab Launches Generative AI Solutions for Defense Wargaming

Enhancing Defense Wargaming with Generative AI: The GenWar Lab Initiative

A new frontier in military strategy is on the horizon as the GenWar Lab prepares to open at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, in 2026. This innovative lab is poised to revolutionize defense wargaming by leveraging the capabilities of generative AI, particularly large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. The goal is straightforward yet ambitious: to enhance tabletop exercises, making them faster, more user-friendly, and remarkably more dynamic.

The Role of AI in War Gaming

Traditionally, wargaming has involved human participants divided into competing factions—commonly referred to as Blue and Red teams—guiding strategies with the oversight of an umpire. This format, rooted in historical practices such as the Kriegsspiel of the 19th century, has served military training and strategic planning for decades. However, current methods can be labor-intensive, making it difficult to quickly adapt to new scenarios or lessons learned.

Generative AI offers a solution to these longstanding challenges. At GenWar Lab, the strategy is to employ AI agents to act not only as advisors but also as adversaries. This opens a dialogue in strategic gameplay: human players can experiment with various strategies, receiving feedback from AI actors that mirror real-life complexities.

Transforming Tabletop Exercises

One of the most exciting prospects of the GenWar Lab is the potential for more in-depth simulations. By integrating AI, human players can tap into sophisticated computer models in real time. This relationship enables a more fluid gaming experience, where players can pivot strategies without the cumbersome overhead of traditional adjudication processes.

For instance, if a player proposes an unrealistic strategic move, an AI-based subject matter expert can intervene, allowing the game to literally rewind and correct course. This not only enhances the learning experience but creates an atmosphere where experimentation is encouraged.

The Tech Behind the Game

The GenWar lab is designed with two principal tools: GenWar TTX and GenWar Sim. GenWar TTX forms the digital environment for exercises, populated by AI agents, while GenWar Sim taps into advanced physics-based models for adjudication. This integral collaboration makes it possible for players to issue commands in plain language—like “attack here” or “defend there”—and have those commands executed automatically by the simulation engine.

This seamless interaction between natural human language and complex mathematical modeling simplifies the learning curve for participants, facilitating deeper engagement in military strategy discussions.

Human and Machine Interplay

A common concern arises when introducing AI into strategic roles, particularly within defense contexts. AI opponents in video games often lack the strategic acumen of human players, leading to doubts about their effectiveness in serious simulations. Kevin Mather, head of the GenWar Lab, acknowledges this limitation, asserting, “We won’t remotely claim that they’re making optimal decisions.” Instead, the goal is to develop AI that provides realistic, albeit not perfect, gameplay to stimulate human decision-making and strategy exploration.

Bridging the Gap

While AI’s role in wargaming is poised to grow, Mather and program manager Kelly Diaz emphasize that traditional wargaming techniques will still hold significance. They argue that AI can support but not replace in-depth analyses and simulations typically conducted through traditional methods. Instead, AI can expedite the learning process, providing “70% to 80% solutions” swiftly and engagingly.

Navigating the Ethical Landscape

As generative AI continues to permeate various sectors, including military strategy, experts like Benjamin Jensen from the Center for International and Strategic Studies emphasize the necessity for proper documentation and evaluation. He warns against reliance on AI-generated outputs without adequate scrutiny, highlighting the risks of oversimplifying complex strategies to mere “LLM responses.”

The Future of Wargaming

The integration of AI in wargaming is not just about rapid execution; it poses larger questions about the intersection of technology with national security policies. As foundational models continue to evolve, the challenge remains in benchmarking these AI systems adequately to ensure they align with the nuanced requirements of strategy and statecraft.

The GenWar Lab represents a significant leap forward in military training and strategy formation. By combining human intuition with AI efficiency, it promises to create a new paradigm in defense wargaming, one that embraces both technological advancement and the profound complexities inherent in military decision-making.