Thales launches cortAIx in the UK

Thales has established a new centre that underscores its commitment to the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle complex challenges. This initiative aligns with the UK Prime Minister's recent announcement of the AI Opportunities Action Plan and aims to enhance the nation's domestic AI capabilities.

AI is a transformational and pervasive technology that is reshaping our daily lives by providing remarkable new opportunities. However, it can also be misused by hostile actors, leading to instability and posing risks to our society. The UK is focused on embracing the benefits of AI, using it as a force for good to reveal valuable insights from the vast amounts of data available, while also utilizing it for security and deterrence against adversaries.

Thales Group's global cortAIx initiative employs over 600 AI and data specialists and is the first patent applicant in AI for critical systems in Europe, having filed more than 200 patents to date. With over 100 products integrating AI, the group accelerates the development and deployment of trusted AI-powered systems in complex and challenging environments. The UK cortAIx initiative builds on this success, serving as a hub for AI innovation by bringing together advanced technology, talented individuals, and research to create AI solutions that are ethical, transparent, explainable, and operationally effective.

A Centre for Innovation and Sovereign Capabilities

Thales will draw on its extensive expertise in defence and security to create AI solutions tailored to the UK’s specific operational needs, encompassing everything from edge computing to cloud-based applications.

UK cortAIx will develop AI solutions with the following objectives:

• Enhance decision-making for human operators, even in the most challenging situations.
• Improve the performance of advanced systems.
• Ensure that AI is deployed ethically, securely, and transparently.

Driving Skills, Jobs, and Opportunities

Thales is dedicated to expanding the UK’s AI talent pipeline. By the end of 2025, cortAIx in the UK aims to sustain 200 highly skilled AI and data specialist roles, supporting the UK Government’s vision for AI-driven growth and productivity.

The Group currently invests £4 billion annually in research and development, with a significant emphasis on AI. UK cortAIx will focus on:

• Identifying and developing promising AI-based technologies.
• Supporting the next generation of AI professionals.
• Expanding upskilling initiatives in collaboration with academia and industry.
• Ensuring that the UK maintains a sovereign AI capability for national security and industrial growth.

AI in Action

Thales is already deploying AI across various systems, including:

• Maritime Mine Countermeasures (MMCM) – AI-powered systems that enable up to ten times faster area coverage and four times faster detection and classification of mines compared to traditional crewed systems.
• Digital Crew Computer Vision System – A machine learning-driven system for object classification and prioritization to enhance mission support and operational efficiency.
• Maritime Sensor Enhancement (MSET) contract – This improves data-driven analytics to maximize system availability and increase operational effectiveness at sea.

“UK cortAIx is a significant advancement that builds on our existing AI capabilities and greatly accelerates the integration of AI into Thales systems. By aligning with the UK Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, UK cortAIx will drive innovation, enhance skills, and sustain high-value jobs. It will promote the ethical deployment of AI in regulated environments, ensuring transparency and trust. This will positively impact the UK security and defence industry,” stated Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales UK.

Strategic Partnership with Faculty AI

As part of the UK cortAIx launch, Thales is strengthening its partnership with Faculty AI, a leader in AI safety and data science. This collaboration will:

• Accelerate AI research applications in critical environments.
• Industrialize deep learning for pattern analysis, starting with maritime security.
• Facilitate AI deployment across defence, infrastructure, and public sectors.

“We've used AI to resolve frontline challenges for a decade and are world leaders in this field. That's why defence clients and governments trust us to apply AI safely and ethically to protect citizens. We are excited and proud to collaborate with Thales' UK cortAIx on mission-critical AI systems,” said Marc Warner, CEO of Faculty AI.

Strengthening the UK AI Ecosystem

Thales acknowledges that a strong AI ecosystem is crucial for the UK to maintain its global competitiveness. Through UK cortAIx, the company is actively working to build a collaborative AI network that unites industry, academia, SMEs, and government partners.

By working together, we can:

• Drive AI innovation that supports sovereign UK capabilities.
• Ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a trusted, ethical, and explainable manner.
• Strengthen the UK's position as a leader in AI for national security and industrial growth.