RN Artificial Intelligence Adoption Roadmap Launch

RN Artificial Intelligence Adoption Roadmap Launch

We were delighted to announce the launch of the RN's AI roadmap at DSEI on 13 September 2023. It reflects the RN's aspiration to accelerate AI adoption across the spectrum of our outputs and is matched with resource to deliver. The roadmap sets out our priorities, required enabling activity and management strategy to adopt AI at pace and scale. The strategic context cannot be understated as we witness both an explosion in AI enabled capability globally and the pivotal role played by technology in Ukraine.

We are also excited to announce the establishment of the Naval AI Cell (NAIC), which is central to our ability to deliver on this ambition. The NAIC comprises a focused team working across the enterprise to identify and advance AI enabled capability. Rather than take a portfolio management approach to the adoption of AI, the NAIC will act as a transformation office until AI in the RN becomes 'business as usual'. They will work closely with key pathfinder projects chosen for both their impact and ability to develop key enablers and will positively seek regular and continued engagement with industry.

We recognise this engagement has already started and are grateful to those that joined us for the industry day in April 2023. One intended outcome of the industry day was to collate views from participants on opportunities and risks relating to development of AI-related capabilities. We received a great volume of comments during the session and these have been immensely helpful in shaping the Roadmap. We thank those industry partners who have engaged thus far and we now look to broaden that engagement, through the NAIC, with an aspiration for mutual benefit.

We are particularly interested in evolving traditional commercial processes to allow for more widespread and open engagement with industry. In developing the enabling functions, a key objective we aim to achieve through our pathfinder projects, we will seek to implement commercial strategies that do not prejudice start-ups and small businesses. We look forward to continuing the conversation.

For the avoidance of doubt, this notice is for information only. Neither the presentation nor discussions constitute any form of commitment and will not act as any form of pre-qualification exercise. Any formal procurement process will - if pursued - be undertaken in accordance with MoD procurement policy and procedures and the relevant Procurement Regulations. Nothing in the event or any other engagements with Industry prior to a formal procurement process, shall be construed as a representation as to the Authority's ultimate decision in relation to any future requirement.