Royal Navy personnel will benefit from AI technologies that enhance maritime surveillance, improve threat detection in complex environments, and accelerate decision-making during naval missions. For the Royal Air Force (RAF), the trial tested advanced target recognition systems that process input from multiple airborne sensors, helping reduce pilot workload and improve mission effectiveness.
Building on earlier trials known as WINTERMUTE, this third phase brought together around 200 Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) scientists, Royal Navy and RAF personnel, industry experts, and international partners at Portland Harbour. Over five days, data was captured using visual, infrared, and radar sensors on Royal Navy vessels, ground vehicles, and manned and unmanned aircraft operating in realistic mission scenarios.
This trial comes in the context of the Prime Minister’s commitment to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, underlining the importance of military readiness in today’s uncertain global climate. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, stated: “We can all see how AI has the potential to impact our lives and enhance our war fighting ability, and UK defence is embracing this leap forward in technology to better support our personnel on the frontline.”
She added: “Significant trials like this, working with international and industry partners, demonstrate the rapid progress we’re making to utilise new technology for keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad.” The programme also included critical contributions from the United States and Australia, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to international defence cooperation.
Dr Paul Hollinshead, Chief Executive of Dstl, said: “This innovative trial represents a significant advancement in how we develop and test defence technologies. By bringing together multiple domains and partners, we’re not just collecting data – we’re creating the foundation for mission success and operational advantage that will protect our forces for decades to come.”
He emphasised: “The use of these AI systems is designed to support, not replace, human decision-making in defence operations. The technology aims to reduce cognitive burden on military personnel by filtering information and providing clearer battlefield intelligence.”
Dstl’s work to curate high-quality data across domains lays the groundwork for future AI systems that will strengthen UK forces’ operational edge in complex theatres.
Source: UK Ministry of Defence.
