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Defence Equipment and Support: Artificial Intelligence

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 7 September 2025UIN 72205

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what AI tools are used by the Defence Equipment and Support Artificial Intelligence and Automation Centre.

Answered by Luke Pollard

Defence Equipment and Support's (DE&S) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Team uses a range of tools and techniques to develop software and AI within Defence. Their tools and techniques evolve quickly and in line with the rapid evolution of AI technology and the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) obligations to ensure responsible use of AI.

The tools used are commercially available cloud-based tools, including open source. The AI software is built on Defence's Digital Backbone (including MODCloud and Defence DevSecOps Service). DE&S make careful use of Cloud services such as Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service where appropriate. All such use is assured through Secure by Design and in line with MOD policy on AI.

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