María Bertomeu, expert in AI applied to defence: “Spain can position itself as a European leader in intelligence.

María Bertomeu, expert in AI applied to defence: “Spain can position itself as a European leader in artificial intelligence”. Artificial intelligence is revolutionising defence at an astonishing speed. In an exclusive interview with ESTRELLA DIGITAL, María Bertomeu Pardo explores the fusion between defence and AI from a vital perspective.

With a background in NATO, promoting innovation and technology development in defence, Maria Bertomeu now leads AI solutions for defence and aerospace. This duality, from NATO and now in the technology sector, gives her a unique insight into how new technologies, especially AI, are redefining the current geopolitical balance.

The impact of AI on defence

During her time at NATO, Maria worked on innovation initiatives, including AI, biotechnology and quantum computing. Today, she works with the Alliance through the NATO Science and Technology Organisation (STO), analysing military applications of various technologies.

Maria stresses that AI is not just another technology in the military sphere. “The nuclear revolution changed the global strategic balance and digitalisation transformed how we operate, communicate and coordinate,” she says. However, AI goes beyond that, impacting everything from intelligence analysis to decision-making and defence logistics.

Accelerated strategic decisions

One of the most notable changes is the speed of strategic decision-making thanks to AI. Maria explains that this technology allows instant analysis of large volumes of information, identifying patterns and signals in record time, crucial in competitive environments where anticipation is key.

However, this development also poses challenges, such as ensuring effective human oversight and maintaining control in situations of high operational pressure.

Europe and NATO

Europe's role in NATO is a hot topic. For Maria, it is not about replacing the US, but about strengthening Europe's position within the alliance through increased technological capabilities of its own. This, according to the NATO Secretary General, would allow Europe to have a greater say in security priorities.

Spain: potential and challenges

From her experience in NATO and in AI development, María sees Spain as having outstanding scientific and technical talent. However, she points to the need for more ambition to turn this potential into concrete large-scale projects.

For Maria, the country should clearly define its areas of competitiveness and speed up the transformation of innovation into real technologies, facilitating their effective implementation.

The future of AI in defence

Maria advocates Spain's commitment to efficient and secure AI in defence, integrating systems directly in the field to speed up decision-making, especially in environments with connectivity limitations.

AI will shape the future of defence, a key aspect in the global strategic debate. For Spain, prioritising this potential will be fundamental if it is not to be left behind in the decisions that will define the defence of tomorrow.