Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Innovative Defence Technology

Monday 26 June 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Ministry of Defence collaborates with UK industry and academia to invest in innovative defence technologies.
  • Last year's defence AI strategy aims to develop and use AI ambitiously, safely, and responsibly, with context-appropriate human involvement in weapon systems.
  • Contractual discussions are ongoing regarding the Morpheus project, with plans to upgrade the Bowman operating system within Ajax.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Theresa Villiers Con
Defence
Context

The development and support of innovative defence technologies is being discussed.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support the development of innovative defence technologies?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The Ministry of Defence works closely with UK industry and academia, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to identify and invest in innovative technologies that address our most pressing capability challenges, as well as publishing our future priorities to incentivise investment. We are transforming processes to drive this at pace, and we are already testing and deploying these technologies.

Answered
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Q2 Theresa Villiers Con
Defence Science & Technology
Context

The integrated review mentioned that artificial intelligence would be used to strengthen defence capabilities. The use of AI within weapons and human control over these systems is being questioned.

Question

In what ways are the armed forces using AI? Does the Minister agree that weapon systems should always be subject to direct human control and never be allowed to operate autonomously?

Answer from James Cartlidge

Last year's defence AI strategy set out our intent to develop and use artificial intelligence ambitiously, safely and responsibly. We do not rule out incorporating AI within weapon systems but there must be context-appropriate human involvement in weapons that identify, select and attack targets. The UK does not possess fully autonomous weapon systems and has no intention of developing them.

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Q3 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Defence
Context

The Morpheus is a £3 billion next-generation defence communication programme meant to replace the Bowman kit on Ajax vehicles, originally set for introduction in 2025 but now with an initial operating capability to be determined.

Question

When can we please have a statement on the state of play and delivery of Morpheus?

Answer from James Cartlidge

We are still committed to Morpheus but there is a limit to what I can say at the moment because we are having contractual discussions with the supplier. The intention is to upgrade the Bowman operating system within Ajax as the next step.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific details on the timeline or state of play for Morpheus due to ongoing contract negotiations.

How: There Is A Limit To What I Can Say At The Moment Because We Are Having Contractual Discussions With The Supplier

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