In a significant landmark for AUKUS, the 3 nations have trialled
a futuristic integration of autonomy and artificial intelligence
(AI) for the first
time.
Testing saw the deployment of a series of AI-enabled uncrewed aerial
vehicles that allow a human operator to locate, disable and
destroy targets on the ground.
This ground-breaking exercise, which included AUKUS partners and
experts from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
(Dstl), is the
first use of autonomy and AI sensing systems in a
real-time military environment.
The successful trial focused collaborative AI and autonomy with our allies,
to ensure we achieve the best possible outcomes. AI and autonomous systems were
used to reduce the time it takes to identify enemy targets and
operate with reduced risk to life. This included several
drones from each nation operating together in the same airspace
to achieve a common outcome, whilst being augmented by an AUKUS
AI team, which
retrained and deployed AI onto the platforms.
The seamless exchange of data and control between the 3 nation's
technologies demonstrated the progress that has been made by
AUKUS in the trilateral adoption of AI and autonomous systems.
Commodore Rachel Singleton, Head of the Defence Artificial
Intelligence Centre (DAIC), and UK
lead for AUKUS AI
and Autonomy Working Group, said:
“Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technologies
provides the opportunity to develop, test and trial AI models on autonomous systems.
“The AUKUS partnership is key to ensuring that the systems
designed by each nation are interoperable into the future.
Service personnel from one nation will be supported by
capabilities that have been developed across all 3 nations.”
The trial, which is part of a series of trials named AUKUS
Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technologies
(RAAIT),
took place as part of the annual US-hosted multinational Project
Convergence experimentation exercise. AUKUS continues to develop
and deploy AI and
autonomy technologies in a safe and responsible manner that
ensures context-appropriate meaningful human control.
The trial demonstrated the significant improvements AUKUS
partners have made to the application and viability of
RAAIT since the first UK trial in April
2023. The technology has been developing at rapid pace and
once proven, will be incorporated onto national platforms,
providing the military with operational advantage through a
quicker response to current and future threats.
Through AUKUS, new capabilities are being tested to protect
platforms. For example, protecting armoured
vehicles from electronic warfare, laser and GPS attacks.
Working across the AUKUS nations in this way means our militaries
have greater interoperability and access to the most advanced
AIacross all 3
nations. It also opens up opportunities for sovereign industry
partners.
AUKUS is a
landmark defence and security partnership between Australia, the
UK, and the US that supports both Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific
security and the rules-based international order. Under Pillar 2,
AUKUS partners are deepening cooperation on a range of
cutting-edge military technologies, which is enhancing military
edge for the UK and our allies. This makes sure we have the
capabilities needed to defend against rapidly evolving
threats.
Participants of Project Convergence
Around 500 British Army personnel were deployed on Project
Convergence, drawn from:
- 1 Deep Recce Brigade Combat Team
- 2nd Battalion the Royal Yorkshire Regiment
- Ranger Regiment
Dstl was
supported by a variety of industry partners including:
- Deloitte
- Cambridge Consultants
- IQHQ
- Blue Bear Systems Research
- Frazer Nash Consulting
Government participants included Australia's Defence Science and
Technology Group. And from the US:
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- Office of the Under Secretary of Defense
- Research and Engineering
- Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
- Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office
- Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation &
Missile Center
- Ground Vehicles System Center
- Army Research Laboratory
