UK defence spending surges as AI focus intensifies

 In a significant development from The Hague ahead of the NATO Summit, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced a commitment to increase national security spending to 5% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to "navigate this era of radical uncertainty with agility, speed and a clear-eyed sense of the national interest." The MoD's statement indicates a broader definition of "national security," potentially including investments in energy infrastructure and efforts to combat smuggling, areas that have long been targets in geopolitical conflicts. Critics, however, are quick to point out that similar redefinitions in the past have not always translated into tangible increases in military capabilities, with the 5% target projected to be split between 3.5% for core defence and 1.5% for resilience and security.

This defence spending surge comes as the UK also intensifies its focus on Artificial Intelligence. The UK Government AI Community today issued a call for papers for an "AI in Government and Academia" event, highlighting a growing appetite for closer collaboration between public services, researchers, and technologists. The aim is to maximize the real-world impact of AI research to drive responsible, ethical, and effective use of AI in government. This initiative aligns with the "AI Opportunities in Public Services Action Plan" and could see significant investment in AI development and deployment across various government functions.