uk to invest in ai and cyber as part of major defense spending hike

The United Kingdom has declared a substantial increase in defense investment – totaling £16.5 billion ($21.8 billion) over a four-year period, representing the largest such increase in three decades – which Prime Minister Boris Johnson has characterized as a “generational modernization” of the UK’s military capabilities and “the conclusion of an era of reduced funding” for defense initiatives.

The UK Prime Minister stated that this funding increase will generate 40,000 employment opportunities, and will establish the nation as Europe’s leading military defense spender and the second largest within NATO, following the United States.

Johnson explained that investment will prioritize advanced technologies with the potential to “transform” military operations – suggesting a significant role for artificial intelligence and interconnected, sensor-equipped systems in “developing our military resources into a unified network designed to defeat adversaries,” as he articulated in a parliamentary address outlining the initial findings of the ongoing review of security, defense, international development, and foreign policy.

“A service member operating in a dangerous environment will be immediately alerted to a potential ambush through sensors, satellites, or drones, with artificial intelligence providing an instant warning and suggesting the most effective course of action – ranging from requesting air support to deploying a drone swarm, or neutralizing the enemy with cyber warfare capabilities,” Johnson informed the House of Commons today, speaking remotely while continuing to self-isolate due to a coronavirus contact.

“New innovations will overcome traditional logistical constraints,” he continued, elaborating on the rationale for investing in upgraded military technology. “Our naval vessels and combat vehicles will be equipped with directed energy weapons – capable of eliminating targets with continuous lasers. Consequently, the concept of being ‘out of ammunition’ will become obsolete.”

“Countries are competing to excel in this new form of warfare, and our investment is intended to position Britain among the successful nations,” he added.

The review allocates at least £1.5 billion – and a total of £5.8 billion – to military research and development, which Johnson stated would be “focused on mastering the latest technologies of warfare.”

Furthermore, a new research and development center will be established with a specific emphasis on artificial intelligence, he noted.

Plans are also underway to create an RAF Space Command center – with the goal of launching British satellites, including the UK’s first rocket launch from Scotland in 2022.

The air force will also receive a new fighter system that Johnson specified will integrate AI and drone technology.

He also confirmed the existence of a National Cyber Force – a collaborative unit comprised of personnel from the UK’s intelligence services and the military, dedicated to conducting cyber operations against terrorism, organized crime, and hostile foreign entities.

He indicated that the increased investment in emerging military technologies will have broader benefits for society, telling Members of Parliament: “The benefits will extend beyond our armed forces – from aerospace to autonomous vehicles – these technologies have a wide range of civilian applications, creating new opportunities for economic advancement.”

In response to Johnson’s statement, the Leader of the Opposition, Keir Starmer, welcomed the increased funding for defense and the armed forces – but accused the government of issuing another “press release without a strategy” – pointing out that successive Conservative administrations have reduced defense spending over the past decade.

“This is a spending announcement lacking a strategic framework. The government has once again delayed crucial elements of the integrated review, and there is no clarity regarding its strategic priorities,” said Starmer, further questioning how the funding increase would be financed, given the economic challenges facing the UK due to the pandemic – asking if it would necessitate tax increases or cuts to public spending in other areas, such as the international development budget.

Starmer also brought up the Russia report – questioning why Johnson’s government has not addressed the “urgent” national security risks identified within it.

The report, produced by parliament’s intelligence and security committee, determined that the UK lacks a comprehensive and unified strategy to counter the cyber threats posed by Russia and other adversarial nations that are employing online disinformation and influence operations to undermine democratic institutions and values.

It also raised concerns about the extent of Russian financial contributions to UK political parties.

“The prime minister discusses addressing global security threats and enhancing cyber capabilities – which is all welcome, and we welcome it – but four months after the intelligence and security committee released its report concluding that Russia posed… an immediate and urgent threat to our national security,” Starmer observed.

In reply, Johnson dismissed all of Starmer’s inquiries – dismissing his criticisms as “remarkable humbug” and choosing to attack the Labour leader for having previously served under the party’s former leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who did not advocate for increased UK defense spending.