UK and Germany to jointly develop military AI in 2027
Government and industry figures will meet next spring to shape the plan, though no specific systems or budgets have been named so far.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has announced that the UK and Germany intend to collaborate on testing, developing and eventually deploying artificial intelligence (AI) in their respective armed forces. This joint effort is set to begin in 2027, following a meeting between the two nations' Defence Secretaries in Berlin.
Streeting revealed that the two countries will expand their existing joint cybersecurity project, known as Cyber Lighthouse, to cover AI technologies. The partnership aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations and keep up with potential threats. Discussions between government and industry representatives from both countries are scheduled for spring 2027 to finalize the details of the plan.
So far, no specific AI systems, programs or budgets have been disclosed. However, German companies have pledged £800 million (approximately €956 million) to the UK defence industry since the signing of a defence pact in 2024. Notable contributors include Munich-based Helsing, which recently established a factory in Plymouth to produce AI-powered underwater gliders designed to track hostile submarines.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed concern over the growing role of AI in warfare, warning of an impending arms race and calling for legally binding rules on autonomous weapon systems.
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