The United Kingdom has announced the creation of a new Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) to address the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence to national and international security. The initiative was unveiled at the NATO Cyber Defence Conference in London and signals a major expansion of the UK’s cyber defence strategy.
The government says LASR will focus on understanding how AI can be misused by hostile actors and how those risks can be mitigated through research, coordination, and policy development.
AI as a National Security Challenge
Speaking at Lancaster House, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden described AI as both a powerful tool and a growing threat. He warned that while AI is already transforming national security operations, it also creates new risks if adversaries weaponize the technology.
McFadden said cyber conflict has become a persistent reality. He stressed that the scale of the threat demands a stronger and more coordinated defensive response from the UK and its allies.
Mission and Funding of LASR
The Laboratory for AI Security Research will bring together experts from academia, industry, and government to assess AI-driven security threats and develop countermeasures. The government has committed £8.22 million in initial funding to support the lab’s work.
Officials expect additional investment from the private sector to expand LASR’s research capacity and accelerate applied security projects. The lab will examine issues such as AI-enabled cyberattacks, automated malware development, and risks to critical infrastructure.
Domestic and International Partnerships
LASR will operate as part of a wider security ecosystem. Key partners include the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Government Communications Headquarters, and the National Cyber Security Centre.
Academic collaboration will play a central role. Institutions such as the University of Oxford and Queen’s University Belfast are expected to contribute research expertise. The lab will also work closely with NATO allies and Five Eyes partners to share findings and coordinate responses to AI-driven threats.
Responding to Adversarial AI Use
McFadden highlighted the growing use of AI by hostile states. He pointed to North Korea’s reported efforts to use AI to speed up malware development and exploit cybersecurity weaknesses.
According to the government, these activities underscore the urgency of proactive AI security research. Officials warned that similar tactics are likely to spread beyond a single country.
Supporting Allied Cyber Resilience
Alongside the launch of LASR, the UK announced a £1 million incident response project aimed at strengthening allied cyber defence capabilities. The initiative will support faster coordination and expertise sharing across NATO members during cyber incidents.
In addition, the government says this effort will reinforce collective security and improve preparedness for AI-enabled attacks.
Building on the UK’s Cybersecurity Strategy
Stephen Doughty, Minister for Europe, said the new lab builds on the UK’s long-standing role in computing and cybersecurity. He referenced the legacy of Alan Turing and the country’s early contributions to modern computing.
LASR complements broader government initiatives, including the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill and the designation of data centers as critical national infrastructure. Together, these measures form part of a wider effort to modernize the UK’s cyber and AI security posture.
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