AI and National Security: Unlocking Innovation Through Smarter Support

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of national security, offering powerful tools to tackle challenges across physical safety, counterterrorism, economic resilience, and cyber defence. From real-time threat detection to predictive analytics, AI is enabling faster, smarter decision-making across the board.

In cities across the UK, AI-powered surveillance systems are already enhancing public safety by identifying unusual behaviour in real time. In counterterrorism, machine learning models are helping to spot patterns in communications that could indicate emerging threats. Meanwhile, AI is playing a growing role in economic security—detecting fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes that undermine national stability.

A PwC report estimates AI could add up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. For the UK, this represents not just economic opportunity, but a strategic imperative to lead in AI innovation—especially in areas critical to national security.

Cutting Red Tape: Making Innovation Easier for UK Startups

Despite the promise of AI, many small and mid-sized UK companies face significant hurdles when trying to contribute to national security. Complex procurement processes, opaque funding routes, and a lack of visibility into government needs often leave innovative firms on the sidelines.

To truly unlock the UK’s potential, we need to remove these barriers. That means streamlining procurement, simplifying access to funding, and creating more agile, transparent partnerships between government and industry.

Organisations like the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) have made progress by actively scouting for promising technologies and offering fast-track funding. But more can be done. For example, HMGCC’s Co-Creation Space is a brilliant initiative—but rather than waiting for companies to come knocking, it should be proactively identifying high-potential UK startups and offering them support. This kind of outreach could be a game-changer for small firms with big ideas.

Backing British AI: From DeepMind to Synthesia

The UK is home to some of the world’s most exciting AI companies. From DeepMind’s breakthroughs in machine learning to Synthesia’s innovations in synthetic media, British firms are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Smaller players like Faculty, Tractable, and Mind Foundry are also making waves in areas like defence, insurance, and public safety.

These companies—and many others—could play a vital role in national security if given the right support. That means not just funding, but access to testbeds, data, and real-world challenges where their technologies can make a difference.

Quantum and Beyond: Preparing for the Next Frontier

Looking ahead, quantum computing is poised to reshape national security in profound ways. Quantum encryption could secure sensitive communications, while quantum sensors might revolutionise submarine detection and seismic monitoring. But the same technology also poses risks—such as breaking today’s encryption standards.

The UK is already investing in this space through the National Quantum Technologies Programme, but as with AI, success will depend on collaboration. Government, academia, and industry must work together to ensure the UK stays ahead of the curve.

A Smarter, More Agile Security Ecosystem

National security is no longer just about boots on the ground or firewalls at the border. It’s about building a flexible, forward-looking ecosystem that can adapt to emerging threats—and seize new opportunities.

That means empowering small companies, cutting red tape, and making government funding more accessible and proactive. It means recognising that innovation doesn’t always come from the usual suspects—and being ready to back bold ideas wherever they come from.

By doing so, the UK can not only strengthen its security but also cement its position as a global leader in AI and emerging technologies.

National Security Programme activities

techUK’s National Security programme leads the debate on emerging technologies which present opportunities to strengthen UK national security. Through a variety of market engagement and policy activities we assess the capability of these technologies against various national security threats. Visit the programme page here