Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Dstl to host AI Defence and Security Conference

Defence Security Events

Dstl to host AI Defence and Security Conference

Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the theme for this year’s 'AI Fest', an annual conference hosted by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) that explores the implications of AI for Defence and Security.

The conference will be held on Wednesday 5th June in Basingstoke and will bring together Science and Technology, procurement and the end user communities and will showcase examples of how AI is being used to tackle Defence and Security Challenges. Speakers from MoD and key external partners will be providing a range of perspectives using real case studies to illustrate the successes and challenges of delivering AI into operational use. In addition, suppliers from industry, academia and subject matter experts are invited to the event to showcase the very latest AI technology and capabilities they have to offer.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

Dr Steven Meers, Dstl’s Head of AI Lab, said: "AI is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of Science and Technology. Understanding how to responsibly exploit the benefits, but also how to counter the threats presented by AI is a critical issue for the Defence and Security community; this is an area where we need to ensure we are working closely with our suppliers both in industry and academia.

"By broadening our supply base we will improve access to the best AI solutions for Defence and Security. There will be a lot to see at the event, including a large exhibition area with demonstrations and stands hosted by a wide variety of suppliers from academia, SMEs and larger defence contractors."

The event is expected to attract more than 400 attendees including military end users, MoD capability planners and acquisition staff, as well as Dstl scientists and engineers along with international partners. AI Fest is a great opportunity for the community to understand better how to adopt AI in a manner that makes us all safer and more secure.

The conference is set to run in two halves, the morning session forming the main conference session with a number of presentations to all government attendees. The afternoon session will be broken out into eight separate syndicates to cover a wide variety of topics at greater depth – attendees will be signing up to these in advance of the conference.

Throughout the lunch interval attendees will explore the supplier exhibition area, which will remain open during the afternoon syndicate session slots.

Advertisement
ODU RT


To register your interest or to take part in the event as a supplier, contact the AI lab team at
ai_lab@dstl.gov.uk (closing date Thursday 18th April 2019).

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
HMS Formidable keel laid

Defence

HMS Formidable keel laid

10 December 2025

Another significant moment on the Type 31 (T31) programme was delivered by Babcock yesterday at its Rosyth facility in Scotland, with the keel laid for HMS Formidable.

Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace enter UAV capabilities partnership

Defence

Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace enter UAV capabilities partnership

10 December 2025

GKN Aerospace today announced a new strategic teaming agreement with autonomous platform provider Anduril Industries UK to explore future opportunities at GKN Aerospace’s Isle of Wight airframe production facility, accelerating the development of advanced uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) and rotorcraft technologies for UK defence programmes.

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction

Defence

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction

9 December 2025

Today, HII and Babcock have signed a contract that expands their strategic partnership for further support of Virginia-class submarine construction, to increase throughput at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.

AtkinsRéalis secures partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines

Defence

AtkinsRéalis secures partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines

9 December 2025

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed to deliver nuclear propulsion and engineering capabilities to Rolls-Royce Submarines, supporting the UK’s growing submarines programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems to equip US Navy submarines with MMM systems

Defence

BAE Systems to equip US Navy submarines with MMM systems

9 December 2025

BAE Systems has been awarded a $36 million production contract from Lockheed Martin to deliver Multifunction Modular Mast (MMM) systems for integration onto US Navy submarines.

Boeing expands UK footprint following Spirit AeroSystems acquisition

Defence

Boeing expands UK footprint following Spirit AeroSystems acquisition

8 December 2025

Boeing today announced the company has completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, significantly expanding its UK footprint in Northern Ireland.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle