The UK’s Royal Navy is testing the accuracy and effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) to defeat missile attacks for the first time at sea. The test of the leading-edge software is being done against supersonic, ballistic, as well as cruise missiles during the largest exercise of its kind off the coasts of Scotland and Norway, the navy said. The trial, that offers a glimpse of the future of air defence at sea, is part of NATO’s Formidable Shield exercise and involves three British warships — destroyer HMS Dragon and two frigates HMS Lancaster and HMS Argyll .
The trial, being led by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) scientists, is testing two AI applications — Startle and Sycoiea, the Royal Navy said in a statement published in its official online news outlet.
The Startle application provides real-time recommendations and alerts to sailors monitoring the “air picture” from the operations room. It is designed to help “ease the load” on sailors. And the Sycoiea builds on these alerts to help sailors identify the threat and advise the best weapon to…
