USAF Unveils AI-Driven WarMatrix in GE 26 Wargames

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The U.S. Air Force recently concluded the GE 26 Benchmark Wargame, marking a significant step forward in how the service conducts operational analysis and decision-informed wargaming. A defining feature of the event was the inaugural use of WarMatrix, an AI-driven wargaming environment that integrates existing models, data and workflows to accelerate analysis while keeping human judgment central to planning and adjudication.

Why it matters

The use of WarMatrix represents a deliberate evolution in the Air Force's approach to wargaming, addressing longstanding challenges associated with large-scale simulations through a human-machine teaming system that provides transparency, auditability and speed. The insights generated from the GE 26 wargame will help inform critical decisions shaping the future force.

The details

During the two-week event, participants successfully executed more than six 24-hour game-time moves leveraging physics-based modeling and simulation-informed adjudication. The wargame also served as an initial operating concept test for WarMatrix, while evaluating complementary tools for potential integration into the broader wargaming ecosystem.

• The GE 26 Benchmark Wargame was held from March 13-27, 2026.
• WarMatrix transitioned from development into operational application during the wargame.

What’s next

The Air Force plans to continue refining its approach to operational analysis, building on the insights and lessons learned from the GE 26 wargame and the use of WarMatrix.