Britain will use data from the battlefield in Ukraine to develop AI-powered drone swarms

British companies will gain access to data collected by drones on the Ukrainian battlefield to develop new artificial intelligence (AI) models designed to control drone swarms. 

According to Reuters, this involves the use of a database containing images and videos captured by drones in combat zones in Ukraine. 

The dataset contains over 6 million records of various objects, including tanks, artillery systems, air defense systems, infantry, and aerial targets.

British Defense Minister Wes Streeting stated that this will be an important resource for the development of defense technologies.

“This is the world’s first access to real-world data from the battlefield. It will enable British companies to continue pushing the boundaries of defense innovation, deterring our enemies and ensuring our security at home, as well as helping to further strengthen Ukraine,” said Wes Streeting.

Swarms of air, ground, and sea drones are expected to be able to operate autonomously. To do so, they will use artificial intelligence to help the drones communicate with one another, detect threats, and identify targets.

The systems are also set to gain the ability to make autonomous decisions regarding attacks. At the same time, as the British government clarifies, humans will still be involved in such operations.

The UK is currently seeking contractors to develop software for controlling swarms of drones.

The request for proposals calls for the development of technologies for autonomous target recognition using artificial intelligence, as well as distributed decision-making systems.

It is expected that such technologies will allow drones to independently plot routes, adjust their behavior, and set priorities without relying on a single command center.

Earlier, it was reported that the United Kingdom became the first country to gain access to large datasets from Ukrainian laboratories.

This refers to information collected using cameras and infrared sensors in various regions of Ukraine. The datasets also contain classified data from the front lines.

The information is planned to be used to train these technologies at British military bases. In particular, these systems are intended to help detect saboteurs and spies attempting to gain access to British classified information or military facilities.

The Ukrainian company Swarmer is also working on technologies for controlling swarms of drones. The company is collaborating with the American drone manufacturer Powerus.

Swarmer and Powerus are participating in a competition announced by the Pentagon to develop software for controlling drones.

The U.S. Department of Defense explained that such technology could reduce the workload on operators, who are currently insufficient in number to simultaneously control large numbers of drones.

NATO also expects that swarms of drones controlled by artificial intelligence will play a significant role in future conflicts. Military leaders emphasize the need for armies to adapt to this form of warfare within the next five years.

Meanwhile, the UK Ministry of Defense has launched the PANOPTES project—an autonomous laser air defense system designed to combat swarms of drones.

The mobile laser system is expected to complement stationary air defense systems and help counter massive drone attacks.

This was announced by the British government, according to Reuters. 

Earlier, the Taiwanese company 7A Drones, based in Chiayi County, signed a memorandum of understanding with the North American Taiwanese Association of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (NATUAVA). The agreement was signed at the state-funded Center for Research and Development of Innovative Applications of UAVs and Artificial Intelligence in Chiayi County.