As part of the MOD’s commitment to pursue and deliver future
capabilities, the Defence Secretary announced the launch of AI
Lab – a single flagship for Artificial Intelligence, machine
learning and data science in defence based at Dstl in Porton
Down. AI Lab will enhance and accelerate the UK’s world-class
capability in the application of AI-related technologies to
defence and security challenges. Dstl currently delivers more
than £20 million of research related to AI and this is forecast
to grow significantly.
AI Lab will engage in high-level research on areas from
autonomous vehicles to intelligent systems; from countering fake
news to using information to deter and de-escalate conflicts; and
from enhanced computer network defences to improved decision aids
for commanders. AI Lab provides tremendous opportunities to help
keep the British public safe from a range of defence and security
threats. This new creation will help Dstl contribute more fully
to this vital challenge.
Yesterday’s meetings provided the US Defense Innovation Board, a
team of experts from across defence and industry, with an
opportunity to meet with UK defence leaders to share experiences
and innovation priorities. This co-operation further strengthens
the excellent relationship between our militaries.
The team of American experts includes notable figures who have
led transformative change in government or are acutely aware of
the challenges the Department of Defense faces. Members include:
Dr Eric E. Schmidt, former chair of Google Inc; Dr. J. Michael
McQuade Ph.D, Senior Vice President for Science and Technology at
United Technologies; and Sally Donnelly, former Senior Advisor to
the Secretary of Defense.
Defence Secretary said:
The relationship we have with our American partners is
indispensable to both our nations. In the face of evolving
global threats, we must harness new technologies and approaches
to stay ahead of our adversaries and keep us safe.
Today’s meeting of military and scientific minds from both
sides of the Atlantic encourages our best and brightest to
develop new capabilities in everything from Artificial
Intelligence and autonomous weapons to advanced cyber and
robotics.
Building upon this hugely important area of research, the Defence
Secretary also announced a reciprocal UK Defence Innovation Board
visit to the US later this year which will develop joint
recommendations based on the needs of the MOD and its American
partners.
The UK’s Defence External Advisory Panel published findings from
their independent report which examines how the MOD can become
‘innovative by instinct’. The report highlighted a requirement to
expand capabilities in cyber defence and information technology
systems but also the need to streamline procurement processes and
the implementation of ground-breaking abilities.
As the MOD carries out the Modernising Defence Programme review,
US counterparts are also examining how to strengthen their armed
forces in the face of intensifying threats. In a rapidly changing
world, military planning must be agile to counter emerging
challenges and the MOD must consult widely with our closest
allies.
Defence Minister said:
UK defence has always been at the forefront of significant
technological advances, from the development of radar systems
crucial to our victory in the Battle of Britain to our Harrier
jump jets which revolutionised our air capabilities in the
Falkland and Iraq wars.
The UK has invested £800 million on boosting innovation over
the next decade to meet future threats. This coupled with our
close working relationships with allies provides us with the
opportunity to maintain our military advantage for decades to
come.
Note to editors:
- The US Defense Innovation Board is made up of leading experts
from business, civil society and the military and broadly mirrors
the work of the British team.
- The Defence Innovation External Advisory Panel was
established, and met for the first time in July 2017.
- The Panel provides independent challenge as the members seek
to interrogate MOD’s current innovation ecosystem and help ensure
that the Department is driving the right change at the necessary
pace to meet its future goals. To support this challenge
function, the Panel were asked to provide an annual report to
Secretary of State for Defence on their findings. This is the
first of these reports.
- The Defence and Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
works to apply cutting-edge science and technology (S&T) to
keep UK armed forces, and the British people, protected from
harm.
- Dstl is an Executive Agency of the MOD, run along commercial
lines. It is one of the principal government organisations
dedicated to S&T in the defence and security field, with six
sites; at Porton Down, Portsdown West, Fort Halstead, Sandridge,
Langhurst and Alverstoke.
- Dstl works with a wide range of partners and suppliers in
industry, academia and overseas.
