The UK Ministry of Defence has unveiled its first-ever artificial intelligence (AI) defense strategy, which includes new approaches to technological cooperation with the private sector.
British Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin said that AI is the “most transformative” area of new technology with the capability to reshape future warfare.
He stressed that AI is a “strategic national resource” as important as coal to industry.
The new AI defense strategy highlights three “pillars” — ambition, innovation, and responsibility.
Quin explained that the UK will ensure all areas of the defense ministry utilize AI capabilities.
As part of the strategy, the ministry will guarantee that every defense official has a strategic understanding of AI and cutting-edge technologies.
It will also hire a new head of AI and provide more AI-related career opportunities to incubate talent.
“We shall have soldiers on the front line guarded by control devices which analyze footage from hundreds of drones in real time,” Quin said. “We shall have autonomous resupply systems delivering kit more efficiently without putting people in danger.”