Thales has introduced its cortAIx centre in the UK, reaching a key step in its global push to advance trusted AI in defence and security sectors, and aligning with the UK Prime Minister’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.
The cortAIx is the AI accelerator that will provide armed forces, aircraft manufacturers, and critical infrastructure operators with secure solutions for improved data analysis and decision-making.
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This initiative aims to enhance the AI ecosystem and support the performance of advanced systems and sensors in demanding and restricted environments.
With the addition of 200 AI and data specialists, this UK branch of cortAIx will contribute to the UK Government’s AI-driven growth and productivity objectives, joining a global network of 800 AI experts within Thales.
Thales will use its expertise in defence and security to devise AI solutions customised to the nation’s operational requirements, spanning from localised edge applications to cloud-based systems.
cortAIx in the UK aims to develop AI solutions that will bolster decision-making for human operators, enhance the functionality of new systems, and ensure the deployment of AI is conducted ethically and transparently.
Thales UK CEO Phil Siveter said: “By aligning with the UK Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, cortAIx in the UK will drive innovation, enhance skills, and sustain high-value jobs. It will champion the ethical deployment of AI in regulated environments, ensuring transparency and trust. This will have a very positive impact on the UK security and defence industry.”
Globally, Thales Group’s cortAIx has more than 600 AI and data specialists on board and the first patent applicant in AI for critical systems, with more than 200 patents.
The group’s R&D investment, amounting to £4bn annually with a focus on AI, will be leveraged by cortAIx in the UK to maintain an AI capability for national security and industrial advancement, and more.
Thales is already implementing AI across various systems, including the Digital Crew Computer Vision System, which uses machine learning for object classification and prioritisation to augment mission support and operational efficacy.
With the launch of cortAIx in the UK, Thales is reinforcing its partnership with Faculty AI.
This move is intended to expedite AI research, industrialise learning for pattern analysis starting with maritime security, and enable AI deployment across defence, infrastructure, and public sectors.
This development follows Thales UK’s collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence, which saw successful consecutive firings of the lightweight multi-role missile against both air and sea targets.
