The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory's (Dstl) agreement
with Microsoft aims to deliver safe and responsible use of
artificial intelligence (AI).
This non-contractual agreement will focus on key areas including:
- innovation
- skill sharing
- technical exchange
It will enable greater collaboration between AI experts within Dstl and
Microsoft. The agreement also aims to accelerate safe,
responsible and ethical adoption of AI and is guided by the Ministry
of Defence’s (MOD)
ethical principles for
AI.
Specifically, Microsoft will support Dstl and
MOD’s Defence
AI Centre’s
(DAIC) on their
AI learning agenda.
Microsoft will also provide early access to relevant software
engineering roadmaps with a key focus on sharing emerging
AI
capabilities. Dstl and the
DAIC have agreed to share
their AIconcept
playbook with Microsoft to identify defence projects for
Microsoft, Dstl and
DAIC to collaborate on.
Professor Steven Meers, Dstl’s lead
for AI and Data
Science said:
“AI is a strategic
priority for defence and working with industry is key to
supporting our Armed Forces and ensuring they can access safe and
responsible AI
systems. This is a fast-moving technology area and, by bringing
together the deep technical expertise of Dstl and
Microsoft, we are better able to ensure we maintain pace and
address a range of challenges to help accelerate adoption of
AI within
MOD.
“Science and technology is a key source of strategic advantage
for the UK and this collaboration will help ensure that our Armed
Forces will help us to respond to more threats quickly and
effectively helping to keep our Armed Forces safe.”
