Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether frontier technologies such as (a) machine learning and (b) artificial intelligence are being used within (i) the Armed Forces and (ii) his Department to help improve workforce efficiencies.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is actively leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness across both the Armed Forces and the Department. In the business space, MOD is exploring use of informational chatbots, machine learning applications and generative AI to automate and accelerate routine business operations and policy work. We work closely with partners across Government to identify and apply best practice and understand where these tools can support workforce efficiencies.

AI is also being considered for a range of military applications, including helping to accelerate operational tempo; strengthening the Force through greater mass, persistence, and reach; enabling us to operate in environments that would otherwise not be possible; removing our people from harm's way; and making our workforce more effective.