Nick Sinnott
Head of Technology Strategy & Innovation, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
Organisations in the defence sector can leverage AI in multiple ways. However, various building blocks must be in place for this to be done safely, securely and responsibly.
As the UK Government noted in its Strategic Defence Review: ‘Artificial intelligence (AI) … will enable defence to take leaps forward both in how it fights and the productivity with which it delivers.’
Autonomy redefines military readiness
This AI-driven defence landscape is exciting, observes Nick Sinnott, Head of Technology Strategy and Innovation at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, a company delivering advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. “To accelerate the development of innovative technologies, we collaborate with different organisations, including deep-tech start-up Oxford Dynamics,” he says. “Predictive maintenance is one area we’re working on together. The ambition is to give customers a decisive advantage by knowing exactly when equipment is going to break down or need replacing. From a logistics standpoint, that makes good sense.”
Sinnott believes the Strategic Defence Review, which prioritises ‘a shift towards greater use of autonomy and AI within the UK’s conventional forces,’ will change the sector’s AI approach. “It’s a technology roadmap of what the Government wants to achieve,” he says.
In critical spaces, there
are decisions we don’t
want a machine to make.
Develop a defined AI strategy and get leadership buy-in
However, he strikes a note of caution regarding using AI for decision-making. “If it’s a straightforward, low-risk decision, we’re happy to trust machines, aren’t we?” he asks. “But in critical spaces, there are decisions we don’t want a machine to make.” In defence, it’s about applying AI to connect key information – enabling human decision-makers rather than replacing them.
To maximise AI across multiple domains and use cases, organisations must first develop a defined strategy with leadership buy-in. “Without strategic intent, businesses can’t operationalise,” says Sinnott. “They also won’t be able to build foundations across people (with the proper training), process, technology and data — aspects that need to be right from the outset.” Moreover, it’s crucial to properly manage risk.
Partnership ensures AI safety
Finally, collaboration is essential, which is why it’s a core part of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence’s approach. “We know we must bolster safety assurance around AI,” says Sinnott. “We can’t do this alone, so we work closely with SMEs, large organisations and academia to realise safe, responsible, reliable outcomes from AI systems and deliver the capabilities our customers want.”
