The UK plans to significantly increase investment in unmanned systems and artificial intelligence technologies. This forms part of a new defence strategy aimed at preparing the armed forces to wage modern, high-tech wars.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has already announced his resignation, is expected to present a detailed defence investment plan on Tuesday. According to the document, £5 billion will be allocated to the development of unmanned systems over the next four years. Sources indicate that this will be the UK’s largest single investment in such technologies to date.
The nature of modern warfare is changing rapidly. The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have clearly demonstrated that unmanned systems and artificial intelligence largely determine the outcome of military operations.
“This is the UK’s largest-ever investment in emerging technologies and will help our Armed Forces stay ahead of our adversaries,” said Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis.
The new investment should enable the British Army to deploy autonomous platforms, reconnaissance systems and strike drones more quickly, as well as to integrate artificial intelligence into decision-making and troop command processes.
The presentation of the plan is expected to be one of the outgoing Starmer government’s final significant decisions in the field of national security. Details of the allocation of funds and specific projects will be announced shortly.