Rising conflicts worldwide have helped accelerate the testing and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous warfare weaponry. The modern-day battleground is becoming increasingly digital, and national militaries are showing that they have an immense appetite for advanced and innovative technology to bolster the AI arms race.
Artificial intelligence transforms how the military detects and reacts to potential threats, offering smarter, faster and more efficient operational capabilities. In light of the changing geopolitical landscape, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) is planning on dedicating more than £6.6 billion towards military Research & Development (R&D) by 2025.
Nations across the world are following in a similar direction. The United States Military currently has around 800 active AI-related projects and has requested an additional £1.3 billion in funding for AI R&D in the current 2024 budget.
Warfare is changing, and AI-driven weaponry is playing a crucial part in shaping how the modern battlefield will look like. The introduction of cutting-edge autonomous systems is helping national militaries become smarter and more agile while creating countless new opportunities for suppliers and developers in the sector.
The Vision of AI in Warfare
Growing tensions in politically unstable parts of the world, including an ongoing war on European soil and a shift in global superpowers have seen the UK and MOD enacting more progressive policies that seek to support the development of advanced military and warfare capabilities.
The establishment of new military programmes, alongside a refresh in procurement policies and military supply chain management, will help place more emphasis on the importance of incorporating artificial intelligence, autonomous technology and data science in forward-looking military strategic planning.
The current vision of the MOD is to access skills and capabilities from:
- Autonomous systems
- Robotic systems
- Electromagnetic activities
- Digital information systems
- Cyber and data activities
- Combat simulation
By accessing these skills, alongside multidisciplinary teams of academics, military personnel, and private suppliers, the MOD is seeking to improve collaboration across the sector, while establishing artificial intelligence centres and hubs in key locations across the UK and Europe.
Military applications of this technology will provide the British Army, and other relevant entities with the ability to create more effective international cooperation, improving situational awareness, and contribute towards mission success.
Winning AI and Autonomous Warfare Tenders
With the market, a hive of activity, companies specialising in AI-powered software, robotics, and military automation systems will find numerous procurement opportunities that can help them grow their business and participate in the development of emerging trends in the defence sector.
Artificial Intelligence Tenders
AI defence contracts are related to the development of advanced technological systems that aim to replace or minimise the need for human control. Additionally, AI technology helps to complete mundane tasks, delivering more efficient and cost-effective outputs for armed forces, while reducing human oversight, and improving military objectives.
Military AI tender may encompass a broad range of technologies, which can be incorporated across the defence sector and various military operations. Specific military AI tenders may include:
- Commercial AI Technology: The use of digital systems on a commercial scale, such as computer systems and other operating models.
- Model Development: Companies that develop mechanical systems and technology that can complete tasks such as deep learning or machine learning.
- Data Engineering: Using and developing computerised technology to collect and analyse important data.
- Visualisation and Information Design: Developing plans, models and structures that can help play an active role in the defence sector.
The demand for artificial intelligence in the military is continuously changing. The introduction of key procurement policies is helping the MOD shape how they can access advanced modern warfare technology and defence systems, allowing them to access new expertise in digital defence.
Autonomous Warfare Tenders
Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) is a combination of soft and hardware technology that can self-determine a target without the need for human involvement. These weapons provide military personnel with an immense amount of power, allowing them to operate in a variety of warfare scenarios relating to national security interests.
Defence procurement now includes a range of AWS tenders that will allow the MOD to more advanced and highly sophisticated autonomous weapons technology.
- Design: The design of military technology, weapons and AWS plays an integral part in the automatisation of the defence sector. Design contracting will ensure that new systems are created based on MOD needs.
- Prototyping: Developing weapons and machinery that can withstand modern warfare requires participants who have a thorough understanding of defence requirements and active duty service needs.
- Electronic Engineering: Companies that can design functioning autonomous systems are a valuable asset to the MOD.
Under the current political climate, AWS plays an important role in defence intervention, helping to minimise the need for human involvement, which in turn lowers casualties. Additionally, the collaboration of AI technology and autonomous weapons provides active military personnel with the ability to make more precise and calculated decisions.
Securing AI and Autonomous Warfare Tenders and Contracts
Those looking to participate in the procurement of advanced AI-powered systems and autonomous warfare machinery will need to ensure they have the necessary experience, skills and capabilities to deliver on contract requirements.
Demonstrate Expertise
As part of the bid writing process, ensure that you highlight your company’s expertise in the field of autonomous defence systems. Provide relevant information, case studies or previous projects as a way to support your experience in the field.
Target Tenders
Sign up to DCI to receive tender alerts based on your qualifications. DCI’s tender alert and notification tool helps you stay aware of the latest news, developments and active tenders available in the defence sector.
Network and Collaborate
Smaller companies can collaborate with contact holders, allowing them to act as subcontractors for smaller and highly specific projects. Fostering relationships with relevant stakeholders will ensure more effective collaboration among various enterprises and the defence sector.
Conduct Market Analysis
By using DCI’s market analysis tool you can uncover valuable market insights that can help you throughout your bid writing process. These insights will equip you with the necessary information regarding current trends, needs and requirements in the defence sector, and how you can appropriately adjust your procurement strategy.
Ready to take action?
Artificial intelligence will forever change how we communicate, but more importantly, it’s helping to change modern warfare, allowing for safer, smarter and more efficient systems replacing humans on the battlefield and reducing casualties.
Demand for AI-powered autonomous systems will continue to grow over the coming years as the Ministry of Defence and the national government seek to spend more on advanced technological defence systems.
By taking a step in the right direction, and working alongside a professional team at DCI you can uncover new defence contracting opportunities that can help scale your business, and provide more long-term partnerships with relevant public and private stakeholders.
