DASA announces AI contracts for warships

Maritime January 17, 2020

A new DASA project will provide £4million in funding for AI contracts.

DASA (Defence and Security Accelerator) will provide funding for AI Contracts as part of its Intelligent Ship – The Next Generation competition, which aims to develop maritime technology. Intelligent Ship is focused on inventive approaches for Human-AI and AI-AI teaming for defence platforms – such as warships, aircraft, and land vehicles – in 2040 and beyond.

These key areas of research will look to address the complex and constantly evolving threats to national security. This work will inform requirements then develop applications essential to the future force in an increasingly complex and A.I. driven environment.

Julia Tagg from the Dstl AI lab said: “This DASA competition has the potential to lead the transformation of our defence platforms, leading to a sea change in the relationships between AI and human teams. This will ensure UK defence remains an effective, capable force for good in a rapidly changing technological landscape.”

“Crews are already facing information overload with thousands of sources of data, intelligence, and information. By harnessing automation, autonomy, machine learning and artificial intelligence with the real-life skill and experience of our men and women, we can revolutionise the way future fleets are put together and operate to keep the UK safe.”

DASA: Official partners of DPRTE 2020.

DASA, on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), is looking at how future defence platforms can be designed and optimised to exploit current and future advances in:

Automation
Autonomy
Machine learning
Artificial Intelligence.

Innovations developed in phase 1 of the competition could later help determine the different platform types, size and role of future platforms as well potentially being adapted and integrated into the existing fleet. Although titled Intelligent Ship, a warship is just the prototype demonstrator for this competition – the project will inform development relevant to all defence equipment and military services.

Defence Online is the official media partner of DPRTE 2020. To book your exhibition or sponsorship package please contact the team today on 0845 270 7066 or exhibitions@dprte.co.uk

Limited offer: Delegate rates are being held at 2019 prices until 31 January. To book for just £95 click here

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here.

ai competition contracts DASA Dstl Equipment Machine Learning