The partnership will focus on the expedition of technology adoption by Dstl to enable it to access and leverage Google Cloud’s AI technologies, processes as well as people to understand how Google Cloud offers AI solutions to its end-users
Dstl and Google Cloud partner to expedite the adoption of AI in UK defence sector. (Credit: Outreach Pete/Wikimedia Commons)
The UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Google Cloud have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expedite the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the UK defence sector.
Under the MoU, Dstl and Google Cloud will focus on five primary areas, including the expedition of technology adoption by Dstl.
It will allow the government agency to access and leverage Google Cloud’s AI technologies, and processes as well as people to understand how Google Cloud offers AI solutions to its end-users.
The collaboration will also expand the supply chain by opening access to and supporting engagement between Dstl and the Google Cloud Marketplace, including Google Cloud’s larger partner ecosystem.
As part of the MoU, the parties will facilitate training and upskilling with the help of Google-led learning and development opportunities customised to the defence domain and further support the Dstl’s broader initiatives to transition it into an ‘AI ready’ defence agency.
Besides, the partnership aims to boost cross-sector technology transfer, allowing Dstl to utilise Google Cloud’s technologies for civilian and industrial applications.
It will help the agency to explore whether the tools developed for other purposes can assist in addressing the UK defence challenges.
Furthermore, Dstl and Google Cloud will share innovative ways of working and proven strategies to develop an AI research environment with tools, infrastructure, technology watch and horizon scanning, as well as talent attraction and retention.
UK Dstl CEO Paul Hollinshead said: “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.”
Last year, Dstl and the Alan Turing Institute jointly created the Defence Centre for AI Research with the objective to research problems related to advancing AI capability.