The move aims to accelerate AI development and procurement
France has designated defence-related artificial intelligence as an essential national security interest, a move aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of AI capabilities amid growing geopolitical tensions and the prospect of high-intensity conflict by 2030.
“This decision is political and strategic,” Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Friday at the inauguration of a new building for the Ministerial Agency for Defence AI (AMIAD) in Bruz, western France.
“It is eminently practical. It elevates artificial intelligence to the same level as [nuclear] deterrence, intelligence and cryptography,” she added.
The designation allows the government to use special procurement procedures under EU law, making it easier to acquire new technologies more quickly.
