Anna Hartz
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of modern warfare, from tracking targets to analysing information from the battlefield.
Ukraine has built up large amounts of frontline data during the war, and Britain now wants to work with Kyiv to use that information to develop new military technology.
The first to gain access
The United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed a new partnership to jointly develop artificial intelligence tools for defence and security, reports Ziare.
The agreement was signed in Kyiv by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Britain will become the first foreign partner to gain access to Ukraine’s Avengers AI laboratories.
The laboratories contain large amounts of battlefield data that can be used to train military AI systems. The Ukrainian Defence Ministry said in August that the facilities held about five million labelled images from the frontline.
Much of the information comes from Ukraine’s DELTA system. The platform collects data from cameras and sensors operating near the battlefield. The information can include images and details of tanks, artillery systems, drones and other military targets.
British and Ukrainian researchers will use the cooperation to develop and test new technologies. The first projects will include work involving fibre optic cables, as well as other defence and security applications.
Bringing experts together
The British government said the partnership will bring together researchers, engineers, technology companies and military experts from both countries. Officials also said the technology could eventually have uses beyond defence.
The cooperation comes as Ukraine continues to develop new ways of using technology on the battlefield. AI is already being used to process large amounts of information and help identify potential targets more quickly.
For Britain, access to Ukrainian battlefield experience could also provide valuable lessons about how military technology performs in a real conflict.
Burnham made the visit to Kyiv as his first foreign trip since taking office. During the visit, he met Zelensky and co-chaired a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries supporting Ukraine.
The new agreement is part of a wider effort by Britain and Ukraine to strengthen their defence relationship. Both countries are looking at ways to develop technology that can respond to changing conditions on the battlefield.
The partnership could also give British researchers direct insight into the kind of data and systems being used by Ukrainian forces. For Ukraine, cooperation with Britain provides access to additional research, expertise and resources as the country continues its fight against Russia.
