British companies are set to access battlefield data from Ukraine for the first time, enabling them to develop new AI models for advanced drone swarms. This follows a landmark agreement between UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
The database, known as Ukraine's Avengers AI Labs, contains imagery and video gathered by uncrewed aerial systems using daylight and thermal sensors. This information is crucial for developing, training, and evaluating AI models.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has launched a competition inviting UK companies to submit proposals on how they would utilise this data. Up to 12 companies will be selected in the coming weeks, with their work expected to begin soon after. The goal is to create AI models that allow drone swarms to function even when communications are degraded or satellite navigation is unavailable.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP stated that this access to real battlefield data will allow British companies to advance defence innovation, deter enemies, and enhance safety at home, while also strengthening Ukraine. AI Minister Kanishka Narayan added that this partnership brings together Ukraine's battlefield experience with British AI expertise to develop and deploy capabilities more rapidly.
The database includes sensor information from over 6 million detections of objects such as tanks, artillery, air defence systems, infantry, and aerial targets, including Shahed drones and reconnaissance Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles. The proposals from companies must be applicable to both Ukrainian and British defence requirements.