UK announces GBP1.5bn partnership with Palantir
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Palantir will locate its European headquarters in London under the deal.
The UK Government has announced a GBP1.5 billion tie-up with US software firm Palantir, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed on 18 September.
Under the agreement, Palantir will help the UK military develop digital tools, utilise AI technology in decision making, and improve targeting systems.
Some of these new capabilities will support development of the ‘kill chain’, the MoD said, and will make up an element of the UK’s digital targeting web, or ‘Asgard’.
The UK Government recently opened an element of the ‘Asgard’ project to suppliers in a competition worth GBP180 million, as the MoD looks to build the solution which will improve targeting accuracy, recommend available effectors, and reduce decision-making for strikes.
The partnership with Palantir will also help identify opportunities in the UK that could be worth up to GBP750 million over the next five years, the MoD said, adding that the firm will make London the base of its European operations, supporting the UK’s position as a “hub for defence technology innovation across Europe”.
When asked when this office will become operational, a spokesperson from Palantir told DSEI Gateway “immediately”, as the company is designating its existing London office as its European headquarters.
The deal will be a boon for the UK’s defence industry too, with Palantir committing to help “mentor and develop” UK companies, including helping UK startups and smaller firms expand into US markets.
“This partnership is a major vote of confidence in UK leadership in defence, data and AI technology, and as an ideal location for companies to invest and expand”, UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey commented.
“This partnership reflects our deep commitment to the UK”, Palantir CEO Alex Karp added.
“It will reinforce the UK’s position as a major military force protecting the West from our adversaries, and it will underline the UK’s status as our largest presence outside of the US”, Karp concluded.
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