How ScotAI and Raytheon UK are bringing secure AI to military training
When AI startup ScotAI approached Raytheon UK, they were met with a tough question: Can you build a secure, offline AI tool — fast?.
ScotAI, a young-startup known for developing full-stack AI systems with a strong focus on security and data privacy, was only a year into operations when Raytheon UK’s Training Transformation Services team reached out. The defence prime urgently required a secure, offline AI solution to help transform how the Royal Navy trains its personnel.
The subsequent partnership has not only delivered a cutting-edge AI tool tailored for defence training, but also helped ScotAI accelerate innovation well beyond their initial roadmap.
“This was an opportunity to prove ourselves under pressure — and push our tech further than ever before,” said Nick Thomas, ScotAI chief technology officer.
Even initial teething problems did not thwart the mission.
“This collaboration could have never happened, as our initial demo went badly due to some serious connectivity issues,” said Thomas. “But instead of walking away, the Raytheon UK team invited us back. That second chance has sparked a true partnership.”
Streamlining content delivery and updating courseware across classification levels is the gateway to maintaining a modern, effective fighting force. For this mission, security and speed are non-negotiable.
“AI is an invaluable tool for creating efficiencies in training,” said Alex Smith, chief technology officer, Training Transformation Services, Raytheon UK. “But it only works if security is built in from the start. That’s what this partnership with ScotAI delivers.”
ScotAI stepped up with an on-premises AI solution that could operate securely in air-gapped environments, isolated from external networks. Under tight deadlines and heavy technical constraints, both teams worked side by side to roll out the system — designed specifically to meet the Navy’s demanding requirements.
One key feature fast-tracked through the partnership was a semantic keyword search tool, enabling users to navigate thousands of documents rapidly. Another breakthrough: Hyperlinked search results pointing to exact page references — an ask from Raytheon UK that wasn’t on ScotAI’s original roadmap but quickly became a standout capability.
“It added real value,” said Thomas. “That kind of feedback loop only happens when you have direct, collaborative development.”
Beyond the tech, it was Raytheon UK’s agile approach that impressed ScotAI most, particularly how quickly decisions were made and payments processed. For a startup that regularly had slow onboarding experiences, “that kind of responsiveness is game-changing,” Thomas notes.
The collaboration has been win-win for all, fuelling ScotAI’s growth while also giving Raytheon UK a valuable insight into the needs of fast-moving startups. Now, the two companies are looking ahead and co-developing secure AI tools that keep pace with the speed of modern defence operations.
“We see this as a long-term relationship,” said Smith. “It’s about pairing innovation with rigour and bringing the best of both worlds to military training.”
For ScotAI, the journey from that rocky first demo to a trusted defence partner has been rapid and revealing.
“Looking back, it’s funny that we’re now building ultra-resilient offline AI,” said Thomas, with a smile. “Given our first meeting was derailed by a dodgy Wi-Fi connection, maybe it was fate pushing us in the right direction.”
