The Defence AI Centre (DAIC) has launched an AI Model Arena to help redefine how Defence evaluates and procures artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The tool will pilot a secure, standardised platform for suppliers to more rapidly test and demonstrate their models against Defence use cases.

The Arena will be used to help the MOD identify the best AI solutions and provide an objective ‘demonstration by doing’ mechanism for triaging into the Defence Tech Scaler and innovation pathways.

It will enable more dynamic supplier interactions, significantly reducing timelines by assessing up to 100 models simultaneously and providing constructive feedback to suppliers, helping them to iterate their solutions.

It will also communicate priority Defence use cases and initial key requirements, ahead of the more comprehensive testing associated with pre-deployment stages, for any solutions that are triaged.

The Arena will be a secure, vendor-neutral evaluation platform that can objectively assess models across 4 critical categories: performance, reliability, robustness, and security.

The new Arena build on work carried out by the Royal Navy in partnership with AI company Advai and the Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE).

Head of DAIC, Commodore Rachel Singleton said: "This initiative is central to our ambition to adopt AI responsibly and at pace, ensuring we maintain a strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive landscape. I encourage all AI suppliers to engage with the AI Model Arena. This is your opportunity to showcase your capabilities, drive innovation, and help shape the future of Defence AI."