Thales Launches cortAIx in the UK to Drive Trusted AI Innovation for Defence and Security

Thales Launches cortAIx in the UK to Drive Trusted AI Innovation for Defence and Security

(IN BRIEF) Thales has launched its cortAIx initiative in the UK, a significant move in advancing trusted AI for defence and security. The new centre, which will employ 200 AI and data specialists, aligns with the UK Government’s vision for AI-driven growth and aims to foster the development of AI solutions that are ethical, transparent, and operationally effective. The centre will focus on creating AI tools for decision-making, system performance, and security, addressing the need for advanced, sovereign AI capabilities. Additionally, Thales is strengthening its partnership with Faculty AI to accelerate AI research in critical sectors. By 2025, cortAIx in the UK is expected to bolster the country’s AI talent pool and contribute to national security.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 25-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales has taken a significant step forward in its global push for trusted AI with the launch of cortAIx in the UK, aimed at strengthening the country’s defence and security sectors. This new initiative, which will hire 200 highly skilled AI and data specialists, aligns with the UK Government’s goals of AI-driven growth and productivity. It also expands Thales’ global workforce of over 800 AI experts, contributing to an enhanced AI ecosystem capable of developing sovereign advanced systems and sensors for the most complex environments.

The establishment of cortAIx in the UK underscores Thales’ commitment to advancing AI in a responsible and effective way, particularly in the context of national security. By combining cutting-edge technology, talent, and research, the new centre will focus on AI solutions that are transparent, ethical, and operationally efficient. This initiative will support the UK’s strategic efforts to harness AI for both security and growth, in line with the Prime Minister’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.

AI’s transformative potential is undeniable, but it also presents risks, particularly from hostile actors who could exploit it for harmful purposes. The UK government aims to leverage AI as a force for good, using it to gain valuable insights from vast data sets and bolster security. Thales’ cortAIx initiative, which builds on its already extensive AI expertise, aims to accelerate the development and deployment of trusted AI solutions, ensuring they are deployed ethically and with transparency.

Thales’ UK venture will focus on creating AI solutions tailored to the UK’s specific needs, ranging from the edge to the cloud. This will involve developing AI tools that improve decision-making, enhance system performance, and guarantee ethical and secure AI usage. By 2025, cortAIx in the UK is expected to support 200 AI and data roles, contributing to the UK’s AI talent pipeline.

Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales UK, emphasized the importance of the new centre: “cortAIx in the UK is a major step in advancing our AI capabilities. It will drive innovation, support skills development, and foster high-value jobs. This initiative will also ensure that AI is deployed ethically and transparently, significantly benefiting the UK’s security and defence sectors.”

In addition, Thales is strengthening its partnership with Faculty AI, a leader in AI safety and data science, to accelerate AI research and application in critical sectors like defence and maritime security. This collaboration will focus on industrializing deep learning for pattern analysis and ensuring the safe, ethical deployment of AI across various domains.

Thales is committed to nurturing a vibrant AI ecosystem in the UK, collaborating with industry, academia, SMEs, and government partners to ensure AI development supports sovereign capabilities and is done in a trusted, ethical manner. By doing so, the company aims to position the UK as a global leader in AI innovation for national security and industrial growth.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

About Faculty AI

Faculty is a leading applied AI company dedicated to delivering impactful artificial intelligence solutions across multiple industries. They partner with organisations to enhance performance through cutting-edge AI, driving real-world impact in mission-critical applications. faculty.ai

Media contact:

Cédric Leurquin
+33 (0)6 31 01 53 25
cedric.leurquin@thalesgroup.com

SOURCE: Thales