Unmanned Air Systems: Artificial Intelligence
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Drones using AI to spot explosive dangers and help keep soldiers safe, published on 2 April 2026, what estimate his Department have made of the time required to procure and deploy these AI-enabled drones at scale across the UK’s armed forces.
Answered by Luke Pollard
The Department is taking steps to ensure that the artificial intelligence (AI) systems used in these drones meet robust standards of safety and reliability. The capability being developed under the Ground Area Reconnaissance and Assurance (GARA) project mandates a ‘human‑in‑the‑loop’ approach, ensuring trained personnel retain control over decisions relating to the identification and neutralisation of explosive hazards. AI‑enabled functions are separated from platform control and explosive ordnance disposal munitions, and the systems are subject to testing and user trials in line with Defence safety, legal and ethical standards.
The equipment demonstrated during trials with 33 Engineer Regiment in November 2025 is largely based on commercially available uncrewed platforms and sensors, which could reduce lead times if requirements and funding were agreed. However, there is currently no formal programme of record to procure and deploy this capability at scale across the UK Armed Forces, and therefore no definitive estimate has yet been made of the timescales for wider procurement and deployment.
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