Defence Artificial Intelligence strategy for Estonia

The primary goal of initial defence Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy (the Strategy) for institutions governed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Estonia, is to provide guidance for the development and adoption of AI through the specification of key objectives and a framework for implementation.

Implementing AI within the MoD-governed institutions must be of practical value and increase Estonia’s defence capabilities through the following objectives:

1. Establishing direct military advantages by supporting decision making, enhancing intelligence processing and accelerating the targeting process.
2. Improving the efficiency of support services and logistics through a faster and more accurate analysis capability and the reduction of administrative burden.
3. Strengthening the local defence industry through increased partnership between the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) and the defence industry, driven by the development and application of defence AI.

The pre-requisite to achieving the stated objectives is a clear understanding within the MoD-governed institutions of how AI will improve the EDF’s warfighting capabilities and the supporting capabilities of all other MoD-governed institutions. There are five main categories of actions for achieving this:

1. Establishing a unit responsible for the digital and technological development of the EDF: In the context of a potential restructuring of the EDF Joint Headquarters, the EDF will consider appointing a Chief Innovation Officer and/or a Chief Digitalisation Officer, with the competence, mandate and an allocated budget to holistically direct and prioritise technological developments, including AI, within the EDF and the MoD-governed institutions.
2. Establishing a digital information infrastructure for the EDF: For the systematic development and implementation of AI, the EDF will plan and build a digital infrastructure capable of accommodating AI solutions. Additionally, the MoD will establish the necessary universal data concepts and standards relevant for MoD-governed institutions.
3. Cultivating advanced technological awareness and AI skills within the EDF: The curricula of the Estonian Military Academy will be updated and funding for studies focused on defence AI will be increased to ensure the required number of AI specialists with appropriate domain-specific competence.
4. Collaborating with civilian agencies to support the development of defence AI: Collaboration with the Estonian private sector as well as higher education and research institutions will be strengthened for optimal use of available technologically competent human resources.
5. Participating in international networks and ensuring interoperability with Allies: Priorities for AI-related international cooperation will be established to ensure the development of defence AI while maintaining and strengthening interoperability with the NATO Allies.