Technical

AI-enabled capability

Capability where AI contributes to outcomes.

How the laws define this

Both instruments agree that an AI-enabled capability centers on the practical integration of artificial intelligence into broader systems to contribute to outcomes, influence decisions, or perform specific actions or functions. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence as a standalone software product, both frameworks treat it as a component or functional layer that operates within a larger system. The primary point of divergence lies in the operational scope and context envisioned by each document. The Defence Artificial Intelligence Strategy establishes a broad definition, encompassing any system or system-of-systems where artificial intelligence forms a component or drives outcomes across general operational settings. In contrast, the Concept Note: AI RMF Profile on Trustworthy AI in Critical Infrastructure restricts the term to specific applications and functionalities integrated explicitly within critical infrastructure sectors, highlighting concrete operational examples such as autonomous cybersecurity incident response agents, facility monitoring, physics-informed stability prediction, and diagnostic assistants to manage sector-specific risks.

Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.

What it triggers

In the United Kingdom Defence Artificial Intelligence Strategy, it sets a whole-of-Defence approach to accelerate adoption of AI while ensuring safety, legality and ethical use for any capability in which AI forms a component or contributes to outcomes.source
In the Concept Note: AI RMF Profile on Trustworthy AI in Critical Infrastructure, it describes AI-enabled capabilities to manage risks associated with diverse AI applications integrated within critical infrastructure sectors.

Definitions (2)

Any capability in which AI forms a component or contributes to outcomes; includes systems where AI influences decisions, actions or outputs as part of a larger capability or system-of-systems.

Defence Artificial Intelligence StrategyDefinition 1 of 2

AI-enabled capabilities refer to the specific applications and functionalities of artificial intelligence systems when integrated within critical infrastructure sectors. These can include AI agents for autonomous cybersecurity incident response, AI-enhanced facility monitoring systems, physics-informed AI for system stability prediction, and diagnostic assistants. The profile aims to manage risks associated with these diverse AI applications.

Concept Note: AI RMF Profile on Trustworthy AI in Critical InfrastructureDefinition 2 of 2

Not to be confused with

AI System

An AI system is a machine-based system that infers outputs from inputs, whereas an AI-enabled capability is a broader concept where AI contributes to outcomes as part of a larger system or system-of-systems.

AI application

An AI application is an IT project whose outputs are empowered by AI models, while an AI-enabled capability encompasses any functionality where AI influences decisions, actions or outputs in critical infrastructure or defence contexts.

Questions and answers

What duties apply to AI-enabled capabilities in UK defence?

The UK Ministry of Defence Defence Artificial Intelligence Strategy sets a whole-of-Defence approach to accelerate adoption of AI while ensuring safety, legality and ethical use.

What are examples of AI-enabled capabilities in critical infrastructure?

AI-enabled capabilities refer to specific applications like AI agents for autonomous cybersecurity incident response, AI-enhanced facility monitoring systems, physics-informed AI for system stability prediction, and diagnostic assistants.

How does AI contribute in an AI-enabled capability?

AI forms a component or contributes to outcomes, including influencing decisions, actions or outputs as part of a larger capability or system-of-systems.