The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has reached a capability agreement with Microsoft to support the safe and responsible use of AI.
It said the non-contractual agreement will focus on innovation, skill sharing and technical exchange, and enable greater collaboration between AI experts in the two organisations.
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 (DAIC) on their AI learning agenda, and provide early access to relevant software and engineering roadmaps.
Dstl and the DAIC have also agreed to share their AI concept playbook with the company to identify defence projects for collaboration.
Strategic priority
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.”
