Leonardo UK and Faculty AI join forces to deliver advanced artificial intelligence for British defence systems

Leonardo and Faculty AI Join Forces to Advance Defence Technology

Leonardo UK has teamed up with London-based AI specialist Faculty to speed up the integration of artificial intelligence into defence systems. This collaboration, announced on 12 May 2025, is the first formal partnership under Leonardo’s new SME Collaboration Partner Programme, aimed at helping smaller companies break into the defence market.

The programme focuses on co-developing products that solve practical operational challenges faced by the British Armed Forces. Faculty’s AI expertise combined with Leonardo’s defence electronics and rotorcraft knowledge is expected to create real-world benefits.

Focus on Cognitive Intelligent Sensing (CoInS)

The initial projects will target Cognitive Intelligent Sensing (CoInS), a technology that applies machine learning to autonomously process sensor data and adjust sensing systems in real time. This capability is planned for use in unmanned platforms and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems.

Professor Simon Harwood, Capability Director at Leonardo UK, emphasized the shift from a transactional supplier model to a closer collaboration. He highlighted the intent to blend Leonardo’s defence tech with Faculty’s AI skills to deliver tangible improvements for military customers.

Expanding AI Applications in Defence Electronics

Beyond sensing, the partnership will explore AI’s role in enhancing electronic warfare payloads. This includes improving countermeasure systems like Leonardo’s BriteCloud decoy and the BriteStorm jamming technology. Previous research collaborations on autonomy and electronic warfare between the two companies laid the groundwork for this formal joint product development effort.

Faculty AI’s CEO, Marc Warner, underlined the goal of applying AI responsibly within national security. He noted that AI is already helping defence by speeding up decision-making, improving threat detection, and boosting operational efficiency.

Internal Adoption and Talent Development

Leonardo also plans to implement Faculty’s AI tools internally to optimize its UK operations. Additionally, the partnership includes sponsoring short-term fellowships for MSc and PhD graduates, embedding emerging talent in active projects alongside Faculty’s technical team.

• Strategic partnership to accelerate AI-powered defence capabilities
• Focus on Cognitive Intelligent Sensing for real-time sensor data processing
• Exploration of AI in electronic warfare countermeasures
• Internal use of AI tools to optimize operations
• Industry fellowships to nurture early-career talent

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