UK Ministry of Defence awards £2 billion AI training contract and launches Defence Universities Alliance

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signed a 15‑year, £2 billion contract with Omnia Training, a Raytheon UK‑led consortium of five British companies, to deliver an AI‑driven Combat Laboratory training system. The platform will prepare up to 60,000 soldiers a year, combining simulation, live systems and advanced analytics, and is expected to create around 400 jobs, including 270 new skilled roles and 100 apprenticeships. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the deal shows “how our investment in defence will create good, skilled jobs in the UK.”

In a related effort to boost defence capability, the MOD launched the Defence Universities Alliance, bringing together 35 UK universities in a £182 million skills package. The alliance aims to develop talent in areas such as AI, cyber security, robotics and advanced manufacturing and to translate research into battlefield advantage. Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the partnership “boosts skills and helps keep our country safe.” The initiative complements other MOD investments, including £80 million for 2,500 student places and the establishment of Defence Technical Excellence Colleges.

Both moves are part of the MOD’s broader strategy to enhance sovereign UK defence technology, strengthen the industrial base and secure a pipeline of skilled personnel for future warfighting readiness.