DoD CDAO holds Seventh AI Partnership for Defense

On June 7-8, the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office co-hosted with the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defense the seventh meeting of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Partnership for Defense (PfD), focusing on high-quality data. The PfD, held virtually, is a forum for 16 like-minded defense institutions1 to discuss best practices on data and AI transformation in defense. 

The PfD, established in 2020, attracts senior defense officials and subject matter experts from around the world and has fostered increased data, analytics, and AI collaboration among key allies and partners. In the forum, partners share knowledge and expertise on a wide range of critical topics, including AI ethics, data readiness, AI partnerships, and human capital. The PfD has become a unique forum for key international partners to help capitalize on best practices in data and AI transformation and collectively problem-solve. 

The seventh iteration of the PfD was opened by the DoD’s Chief Digital and AI Officer, Dr Craig Martell, and the Norwegian Minister of Defence, Mr Bjørn Arild Gram. The two-day dialogue featured presentations, case studies, and roundtables with leading experts from across the globe. They shared national, international, and industry approaches to achieving quality data in defense, including lessons learned in the areas of data ethics, data quality frameworks, data labeling, data fabric and data mesh. 

“Challenges of acquiring and preparing high-quality data often frustrate efforts to realize benefits with advanced analytics and AI in defense. While impactful AI applications are often the center of attention, high-quality data is a prerequisite for these technologies,” said Dr. Craig Martell, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer. 

As defense organizations modernize and increasingly integrate analytics and AI capabilities into missions – from the back office to the frontlines – high-quality data will increasingly become the most valuable digital asset. However, the road to high-quality data is not a straight line and defense organizations will have to effectively address barriers, overcome failure, and drive meaningful change to be successful. During the seventh PfD meeting, partners explored this roadmap and began to address barriers and identify solutions side-by-side. 

To leverage the full potential of data and AI for defense in a responsible and interoperable manner, the Partnership must work together – the United States cannot succeed alone. The PfD is designed to strengthen the responsible development and use of data and AI, enhance interoperability, and provide a marketplace for multilateral coordination on data and AI for defense. “Not only does the Partnership contribute to a strong coalition of interoperable forces, it also allows partners to learn from others and adopt solutions unique to their individual circumstances,” said John Turner, Acting Deputy CDAO for Policy. 

The importance of the forum was underlined by the U.S. National Security Commission on AI in their final report to Congress which described the Partnership as “a critical vehicle to further AI defense and security cooperation.” The DoD remains committed to establishing a robust and interoperable AI ecosystem based on shared norms, values and a strong commitment to the responsible use of data and AI in defense.