The UK Will Test War Scenarios with AI
The University of Lincoln has been selected to lead a new project aimed at strengthening the role of artificial intelligence in the United Kingdom’s national defense. Heading a consortium of seven universities — including Oxford and Cambridge — the university will work to develop AI-driven solutions to support the government and armed forces in national security scenarios such as terrorist attacks, cyber threats, and state-backed crises. The project is being funded by the UK Ministry of Defence through a £1 million research contract.
Artificial intelligence will be applied through “defense simulations” to model how the government and security agencies could respond to potential threats. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Julian Free said AI would analyze the moves of both the UK and its potential adversaries, helping to “enhance more accurate and strategic decision-making processes.” These efforts are expected to strengthen not only the military domain but also the preparedness of other public services such as the police and crisis management agencies.
Professor Fiona Strens, Director of the University’s Defence and Security Artificial Intelligence Centre, said the project would adapt AI systems already developed for Lincolnshire’s food production and processing industries for use in defense. “The world of AI is evolving so rapidly that the Ministry of Defence needs continuous access to up-to-date research and knowledge,” she said, emphasizing that the initiative will bolster the UK’s technological defense capacity. The University of Lincoln currently collaborates with more than 80 defense and security companies and aims to further deepen cooperation between academia, the public sector, and private industry through this initiative.