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Jan 24 2025

NCIA delivers AI Masterclass to NATO Senior Leadership


On 20, 21, and 22 January 2025, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts from the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) conducted two AI masterclasses for NATO staff and senior leaders, focusing on the rapidly developing military applications of AI and its responsible implementation.


The sessions introduced comprehensible tools and guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of AI, identifying the critical role of human leadership in successful delivery and adoption. NCIA’s AI Masterclass combines NATO’s strategy, vision, and current capabilities, and establishes an important handrail for the rapid, secure, and ethical adoption of AI into NATO operations.

NCIA delivers AI Masterclass to NATO Senior Leadership

NCIA delivers numerous AI Masterclass training sessions throughout the year, in collaboration with Solita, an industry partner specialized in data science and digital transformation. This week’s sessions at NATO Headquarters were well attended. During the masterclasses, NCIA experts worked to empower the Alliance’s senior leadership to take informed decisions on implementation and use of AI. The agenda focused on developing a shared language for NATO leaders on the basic concepts of AI and Machine Learning, and aimed to increase fundamental understanding of how this new technology can create value for NATO.

Artificial Intelligence is a force multiplier and is already radically transforming contemporary warfare. As this new technology continues to develop at exponential speed, NATO is enhancing its future readiness for crisis and conflict scenarios by investing over €1 billion in AI-enabled capabilities.

The adoption of AI into NATO presents considerable opportunities for improving situational awareness, enhancing operational efficiency, and enabling greater data-driven decision-making. However, it also presents a number of risks. With challenges such as the handling of classified information, questions surrounding responsible use and legality, and the consequent increase in computing demand, NATO requires considerable expertise in the effective, responsible, and secure incorporation of AI into operational contexts.

NCIA is providing NATO with that expertise, and delivering tangible value to the Alliance in this field. The NCIA Exploiting Data Science and AI Team has developed a number of AI tools already currently deployed within NATO. The team also provides regular comprehensive training to senior NATO leadership on maximizing the benefits of AI-enhanced technology. Since 2018, 20 NCIA data scientists, data engineers, and machine learning engineers have delivered 15 AI projects to 11 NATO entities.