The AI defence partnership between the UK and United States will focus on protecting critical infrastructure, detecting threats and developing trusted artificial intelligence capabilities.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to announce the agreement during the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. The announcement will form part of his first major multinational engagement since becoming prime minister.
UK and US to Develop AI Defence Capabilities
Under the new partnership, Britain’s Defence Rapid AI Delivery Taskforce will work with the US Department of War’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office.
The two sides will seek to speed up the development and delivery of trusted and interoperable AI capabilities for national security.
The cooperation is expected to cover areas including the protection of critical national infrastructure. This could range from sea lanes to airspace, as governments increasingly explore how artificial intelligence can be used to identify threats and strengthen security systems.
Burnham said the partnership would bring together expertise from both countries to strengthen protection of critical infrastructure and respond to security threats.
He is also expected to call for greater international cooperation on artificial intelligence, arguing that countries should work together to make use of the technology while addressing its challenges.
AI Becomes a Growing Security Priority
The agreement comes as governments around the world increase their focus on the security implications of rapidly developing AI systems.
The UK is currently the world’s third-largest AI market, behind the United States and China. Reuters reported that there are early signs AI is contributing to economic activity in Britain, although concerns remain about whether existing safety measures are keeping pace with increasingly powerful systems.
Britain also operates an AI Security Institute, which was established after the country hosted the world’s first AI safety summit in 2023. The institute tests advanced AI models and examines their capabilities and potential for misuse.
However, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of voluntary cooperation between governments and AI companies. Reuters reported that Anthropic withheld its latest model from the British institute, adding to concerns about the country’s approach to AI safety.
UK Plans Wider AI Push
The new AI defence partnership is also expected to form part of Britain’s wider plans for artificial intelligence.
The UK is due to host the G20 next year, with Burnham expected to push for international action on AI and other global challenges during the country’s presidency.
The G20 summit will be held in Manchester in November 2027, the city where Burnham previously served as mayor.
The UK-US agreement highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in defence and national security. It also signals a push for closer cooperation between major technology and defence partners as governments seek to develop AI systems that can be used securely in critical areas.