By Chris Cubbage, Editor
On display at this year’s Avalon International Airshow (AIA), leaders from Plan Jericho, embedded in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to deliver ‘disruptive innovation’, discussed the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications. The RAAF is rapidly advancing its integration of machine learning in decision-making whilst acknowledging the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations that come with AI adoption in warfare operations.
Jericho is far from new, celebrating its tenth year in 2025, launched as a “first step for Air Force to meet the challenges of the future” by Air Marshall Geoff Brown AO. The group is now focused on pathways of digital enhancement, disruptive experimentation and rapid capability development to deliver outcomes direct to the warfighter.
WGCDR Michael Moroney, AI Lead Jericho Disruptive Innovation, speaking to Space and Defence at Avalon, confirmed, “Artificial Intelligence is one of the most transformative technologies of our era. Combining the smarts of our aviators with AI is a significant force multiplier for Defence.”
“As we move from AI exploration to AI integration, Air Force is taking a practical approach which adds capability while mitigating associated risks. This includes building AI readiness by using the right talent for managing and operating AI systems, developing fit-for-purpose partnerships and creating infrastructure that allows for continuous delivery of intelligent systems.
“AI is becoming normalised in society, our adversaries and competitors are using it too. We are building AI readiness in Air Force so the right people, partnerships, practices and infrastructure are in place for successful AI Integration. Embedding AI assurance into the development and deployment of these systems is crucial.”
Jericho AI is actively engaging with small Australian companies and international partners to accelerate AI integration. These collaborations allow for agility in development and Defence is clearly open to fresh perspectives. By leveraging the expertise of small and non-traditional companies, the military acknowledges it will enhance its AI capabilities while fostering a robust local AI industry.
“Teaming to win is our mantra”, said WGCDR Moroney, “It’s not me and a couple of uniform people that are going to break the back of AI. We work with DSTG, Data Division, and really importantly a lot of the non-traditional, small Australian companies, are providing a lot of horsepower. This is such fertile ground to really push the limits. One of the great things as small Australia companies is they understand our situational and legal context. We can grow our talent together. And I have to say, our experience working with Australian companies, the agility that they provide, their understanding, their willingness to work with Defence now is just so encouraging.”
Military decision-making is increasingly incorporating AI to improve efficiency and accuracy. However, WGCDR Moroney highlighted the need for a balanced approach—leveraging AI while ensuring human oversight remains central to critical decisions. AI can provide decision advantages by handling high-tempo operations and automating routine tasks, allowing commanders to focus on strategic decision-making.
“The National Defence Strategy directs Defence to accelerate technology through to capability and AUKUS Pillar II highlights AI and Autonomy as a critical priority. We have to make sure the systems we are using work to Defence standards, this means maximising the success of AI integration by reducing unintended negative consequences.
“Jericho has a serving AI Assurance Lead, WGCDR Kate Conroy, enabling knowledge sharing and innovation opportunities for AI integration within Air Force and with AUKUS Pillar 2 partners.
“One of the things that we brought Kate in for was because we’ve got to be responsible by design. We are here talking to industry to let them know that we can support them on their journey of helping us assure AI and do AI assurance. We want to do that early stage. So when it does come to the point where they’re ready to sell to us, they’re ready to integrate, its already baked in.”
As AI continues to evolve across all industry sectors, there are particular challenges and responsibilities associated with its use in defense. A forward-thinking approach and a commitment to responsible innovation is not new for Jericho and its partners, and with high energy lasers, smart sensing labs, drone communication platforms, maritime patrol enhancements and fixed wing UAS protypes on display at Avalon, the future of AI in the Australian Defence Forces is clearly delivering on strategic objectives while recognising accountability will remain a foundation of modern warfare.
Image: Former Jericho Director and Current Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Robert Chipman AO CSC, speaks with WGCDR Michael Moroney and WGCDR Kate Conroy along with members from allied forces marking 10 years of Jericho during the Australian International Airshow, at Avalon Airport, Victoria.
The Australian International Airshow 2025 (AIA25) is a premier biennial event for the military aviation and aerospace industry. The Australian International Airshow 2025 will be held at Avalon Airport and selected Melbourne CBD locations from 25 March to 30 March. AIA25 provides the ADF with a platform to showcase current capabilities, future concepts in a collaborative and integrated manner to Government, military allies and partners, defence industry and the Australian public. Credit RAAF.
Space and Defence were media partners to #AIA2025.
