According to Dstl, the collaboration between the executive agency of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Google Cloud will focus on five specific key areas.

The first is getting access to Google Cloud’s AI-oriented technologies, processes, and people, thereby accelerating Dstl’s technology adoption.

Second is opening access to — and supporting engagement between — Dstl and the Google Cloud Marketplace, including Google Cloud’s wider partner ecosystem, as to broaden the supply chain.

The third concerns supporting Dstl’s training and upskilling with Google-led learning and development opportunities that are tailored to the defence sector.

Fourth is enabling Dstl to benefit from Google Cloud’s technologies across civilian applications and other industries, as to explore where tools developed for other purposes can help solve UK defence challenges.

Lastly, the fifth involves sharing proven approaches and ways of working to create an innovative AI research environment, including tools, infrastructure, talent attraction, and retention.

The news of the MoU signing was announced by Paul Lincoln, the 2nd Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, during London Tech Week.

He commented: “As one of the most transformative and ubiquitous new technologies, AI has enormous potential to transform societies.

“Dstl’s collaboration with Google Cloud is one of the significant steps Dstl is taking to prioritise research, development, and experimentation of technologies in line with our commitment to safe and responsible AI.

“Last year, the Defence AI Centre (DAIC) was formed to accelerate defence’s ability to harness the game-changing power of AI.

“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity for Google Cloud and defence to work together for a secure and prosperous UK.”

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Helen Kelisky, UKI Managing Director at Google Cloud also commented: “We are delighted to have signed a MOU with Dstl on this important initiative.

“AI has potential to assist the ministry in a broad range of use cases, including cybersecurity, disaster response, and employee productivity. We look forward to helping Dstl in its commitment to using AI boldly and responsibly.”

Last month, DIGIT reported on the news that the UK – alongside Australia and the US — hosted an artificial intelligence and autonomy trial as part of the aim to rapidly drive these technologies into military use.

The trial saw the initial joint deployment of Australian, UK, and US AI-enabled assets in a collaborative swarm to detect and track military targets in a representative environment in real-time.