The UK and Ukraine have signed a new AI partnership, bringing the two countries together to develop new military capabilities and the technology of the future.

The deal gives the UK access to Ukraine's Avengers AI Labs database, which provides real world data and insights to train AI models, collected by thousands of daylight cameras and infrared sensors across the battlefield in Ukraine. Sensors and cameras capture millions of objects, such as tanks, artillery, air defence systems, infantry, and aerial targets, including Shahed drones and reconnaissance UAVs, feeding back data to the Avengers Lab to train new AI models.

In return, the UK will back Ukraine with world-leading universities, researchers, technology companies and third largest AI eco-system in the world.

Several pilot projects have now been launched including one exploring the development of next-generation low-power AI chips designed to power future drones, robotics and autonomous systems.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Ukraine has become one of the world’s leading innovators in defence technology, forged through courage, ingenuity and the hard lessons of war.

"This groundbreaking partnership will bring together Ukraine’s unrivalled operational experience with Britain’s world-class AI ecosystem, giving us the opportunity to develop the technologies of the future, changing lives here in Britain and saving lives on the battlefield in Ukraine.

"By combining Ukrainian battlefield data with British expertise, we will accelerate the development of capabilities that not only strengthen our national security but better protect our critical infrastructure and growth in every postcode here at home."

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "Ukraine is pushing the frontier of defence innovation as they bravely resist Putin’s illegal invasion. From supporting with military equipment and training to co-developing cutting-edge technology, the UK will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

"By combining the UK’s world-leading scientists, engineers and tech companies with Ukraine’s unique battlefield experience and data, we will strengthen both of our nations’ defence and security."