UK Universities to Use AI for National Security 'Wargaming'
Source: bbc.com
The UK is turning to artificial intelligence to bolster its national security. A consortium of universities will use AI in wargaming scenarios to defend against threats.
University of Lincoln Leads the Charge
The University of Lincoln will lead a group of seven UK universities. Oxford and Cambridge are among the institutions that will contribute to the project.
Simulating Threats with AI
The goal is to use AI to support the government and military in national security situations. These situations range from terrorism to cyberattacks and even environmental crises.
Better Decisions Through AI
AI will be applied to wargaming. Deputy vice chancellor Julian Free said the aim is producing “the best solutions we can.” The AI will analyze moves to improve decision-making.
Million-Pound Investment
The Ministry of Defence awarded the research contract, worth £1 million. The wargames will inform government responses to future national security scenarios.
Broader Applications
These scenarios involve the military, police, and responses to actions by hostile states. Economic disruptions and environmental crises are also included.
Intellectual and Technological Capacity
According to Mr. Free, the project aims to build the UK’s intellectual and technological capabilities. This will help to meet rapidly evolving threats seen in conflict zones today.
From Food to Defense
Professor Fiona Strens said that AI developed for Lincolnshire’s food production will be repurposed. This existing capability is now being directed toward solving defense problems.
Keeping Up with AI Evolution
The Ministry of Defence is already using AI. However, the world of AI is changing so fast that keeping up is difficult. Continuous research into how AI is evolving is necessary.
Local AI Collaboration
The university is heavily involved in AI research and collaborates with 84 local AI companies. Many of these companies were created by its graduates.
Regional Clusters
It is also part of The Greater Lincolnshire Regional Defence and Security Cluster. DecisionWorks is another project involving academic, private, and public sectors.
Sharing Research
These collaborations share research and create new business opportunities in the AI field.