Weaponisation of Hyperscale Cloud and Artificial Intelligence: their impact on future digital transformation of National Security, in an era of data a

How advances in digital technologies can provide a competitive edge to National Security in the fast moving, technical and data rich world. As technology advances a growth mindset is required to understand, develop, and transition technologies, processes, and skills. Technology always significantly changes the military conduct of warfare - horse to tank, wind to steam, propellor to jet engine. However, the industrial fourth revolution is reducing the technical divide between tier one armies of the future and their adversaries. The battle to achieve competitive advantage through digital technologies is being furiously contested and for me the 'battle of the clouds' and associated AI ramifications will significantly impact how National Security and warfighting is undertaken from 2025. The weaponisation of hyperscale cloud and AI services over the next ten years will fundamentally change military processes, the role of people, the drive for data, as well as underpinning technology. The associated legal, ethical, and technical aspects, along with risks of this journey are embryonic and need examined in detail. As a result, this is a complex, exciting and hugely impactful area for research and delivery of thought leadership. Hence, the desire to help drive the debate and solutions forward.