Incoming AI system to help predict repairs needed on more than 130 major kit platforms

A new platform using artificial intelligence will help manage and maintain defence equipment, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

The department revealed that the Defence Equipment Engineering Asset Management Systems (DEEAMS) will provide data to personnel to help them plan for maintenance and repairs, stock availability, and engineering for major kit platforms.

The system is set to replace 17 applications that have been deemed fragmented and outdated by the department.

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DEEAMS has been described as a "major step forward" by Defence Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard, and is expected to serve more than 65,000 users across more than 130 major military platforms and assets.

"This is a major step forward in our commitment to ensuring our military has the very best equipment support available," Mr Pollard said.

"We are revolutionising how we provide our frontline personnel with the kit they need, when they need it, whether they're operating at home or deployed overseas."

A £320m contract with IBM UK will bring in a system, which is hoped to achieve £1bn in benefits, such as savings in support and IT and create 100 new highly skilled jobs in the UK.

The initial MOD announcement did not detail exactly when the new tool would be implemented.

Rahul Kalia, managing partner at IBM Consulting UKI, said the change will "enable a next-generation, full-lifecycle asset management solution for the UK Armed Forces".

The MOD said DEEAMS builds on the Strategic Defence Review's recommendations for the UK Armed Forces to rapidly modernise and embrace the latest technology.