Technology Ties: the Rise and Roles of Military AI Strategic Partnerships

Abstract

Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) are reshaping military institutions and challenging traditional understandings of these actors’ tools, environment, and mission. This article explores how the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is set to drive a new generation of strategic partnerships, focused on nurturing and shaping that technology’s military application. These ‘military AI strategic partnerships’ are distinct from both traditional alliances and from strategic partnerships for other technologies, and may have significant implications for AI’s future military use, as well as for geopolitics. To investigate this phenomenon, this article explores the concept of a strategic technology partnership, discussing the uses, practices, and distinct operational requirements involved in military AI strategic partnerships. It then examines four recent cases: (1) the US-led AI Partnership for Defense (PfD); (2) the AUKUS partnership; (3) robust China-Russia cooperation on military AI; and (4) transatlantic (especially US-UK) cooperation. The article discusses the implications of these partnerships for broader AI governance stakeholders, standing military alliances like NATO, and for the development and usage of military AI itself.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, military AI, Emerging and Disruptive Technologies, strategic partnerships, military AI strategic partnerships, Partnership for Defense, AUKUS, China-Russia cooperation