On 21 January 2025, David Reed MP asked the Ministry of Defence about the balance of public and private sector involvement in developing and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for the Armed Forces.
Specifically, he sought details on contributions from both sectors and their roles in advancing these capabilities.
Responding to the question, Defence Minister Maria Eagle acknowledged that “many AI technologies, including machine learning, have dual uses and are developed across a broad technology ecosystem.”
She highlighted that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) must “leverage expertise from this ecosystem to solve critical military problems and maintain its edge.”
The Defence AI Centre (DAIC) and CommercialX, two key entities within the MoD, are driving efforts to engage with technology suppliers. Their focus, according to Eagle, is on “simplified processes and better cross-Ministry of Defence coordination” to enhance collaboration with private sector innovators.
This streamlined approach aims to ensure that defence projects benefit from cutting-edge advancements while maintaining operational security and oversight.
Most defence AI and ML projects, Eagle explained, draw on a mix of in-house and external expertise. She noted: “Differentiating between public and private sector involvement at a pan-Defence macro level is challenging and not currently tracked.”
This highlights the blurred lines between government and industry roles in developing these technologies, given the collaborative nature of many projects.
The Minister also underscored the importance of ethical and operational standards in deploying AI systems. All such technologies must comply with the MoD’s Responsible AI policy, as outlined in Joint Services Publication 936 (Dependable AI).
