20. May 2025
Uk Military To Enter New Era Powered By Advanced Artificial Intelligence
The UK’s military is on the cusp of a revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) set to play an increasingly significant role in its operations. Defence Secretary John Healey believes that AI will have a “massive impact” on the military and battlefield by 2028, with the government seeking to harness its power to stay ahead of adversaries.
Healey’s comments come as he prepares to announce a strategic defence review that puts AI at its core. The review has been in the works for nearly a year, involving former Defence Secretary George Robertson and Gen Sir Richard Barrons, a former commander of the UK’s joint forces command. Healey wants the UK military to be on the “leading edge of innovation” when it comes to AI, surpassing NATO in its adoption and application.
The emphasis on AI is not surprising, given the UK’s experience in Ukraine. The conflict has highlighted the devastating impact of drones and other battlefield technologies, with nearly 80% of casualties caused by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Healey notes that traditional artillery is being rendered less effective, while new technologies are changing the nature of warfare.
The British defence industry is likely to benefit from increased cooperation with Europe, following the recent UK-EU trade deal. This agreement has opened up access to the €150bn (£126bn) European defence fund, which will enable UK companies to bid on European contracts and potentially increase their market share.
However, not everyone in the defence community is convinced that AI is the solution to all their problems. Some have expressed disappointment at the lack of funding for eye-catching systems like a British “iron dome” – a network of domestic surface-to-air missiles designed to protect the UK from potential threats.
Healey agrees that procurement decisions should focus on speed and effectiveness rather than grandiose projects. He notes that traditional procurement processes, such as those involving the army’s delivery of Ajax tanks, have been slow-moving and bureaucratic, resulting in lengthy delays.
To address this issue, Healey wants to prioritize technology over bureaucratic red tape and move faster with procurement decisions. The government has announced plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027, with a focus on investing in new technologies and capabilities.
The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, previously announced that the government would allocate 10% of the military’s equipment budget to spend on new technologies, including drones and AI. Healey is likely to build on this commitment, potentially creating a single pot of money to fund AI initiatives across the department.
Palantir, one of the world’s biggest suppliers of military technology, is poised to benefit from this increased focus on AI. The company has sold its automatic targeting systems to countries around the world, including to the Israeli army for use in Gaza. Healey gave a warm welcome to Palantir, citing their critical role in supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
However, concerns about Palantir’s data practices and the political leanings of its founder, Peter Thiel, have raised eyebrows. Despite these reservations, Healey is keen to work with Palantir and other companies like them, as long as they meet high standards.
The development of AI-powered systems will require careful consideration of their potential impact on troops in the field. Some sources suggest that kit may be deployed even if it’s not 100% ready, with adaptations made as needed. Officials have used AI to help write the defence review itself, employing an automatic reading tool to summarise and analyse over 8,000 responses from outside organisations, comprising more than 2m words.
As the UK military looks to harness the power of AI, it’s clear that this technology will play an increasingly significant role in its operations. The government is committed to investing heavily in new capabilities and technologies, and it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be. However, one thing is certain – the future of warfare has arrived, and the UK is ready to lead the way.
The increased focus on AI is part of a broader effort to modernize the UK military. The government’s plans aim to increase defence spending and invest in new technologies and capabilities. This commitment is likely to have a significant impact on the British defence industry, potentially leading to new opportunities for cooperation with Europe and increased competition from other countries.
The Ministry of Defence has also acknowledged the need to improve its procurement processes, with Healey promising to prioritise speed and effectiveness over bureaucratic red tape. This shift in approach could lead to faster delivery of equipment and technology to troops in the field, giving them a competitive edge on the battlefield.
As the UK military continues to adapt to the changing nature of warfare, it’s clear that AI will play an increasingly important role. With the government committed to investing heavily in new capabilities and technologies, the future of warfare has arrived, and the UK is well-positioned to lead the way.