Interest in the use of AI in defence has massively increased thanks partly to the widespread use of large-language models such as ChatGPT and partly to the investment defence is making in AI in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Alas, with this interest comes a massive increase in the hype, misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations created by those who talk about AI without having any practical experience of developing and implementing AI in defence. This poses the risk of huge disappointments and a resulting backlash that could hold back the military advantage we get from AI. What can defence do to minimise the risks of falling into the cycle of overpromise, overspend, underdeliver?
This book offers one solution; to learn the lessons from those who have actually developed and implemented AI into defence, from initial concept to use by defence organisations. It covers the practicalities of defining what AI actually is, understanding how defence deals with trust and ethics, the steps that lead to the utilisation of AI for a range of different use cases, and how to see past the potential smoke and mirrors when testing AI.
’This book is a must read for any military leader who is serious about understanding how humans need to provide the edge when developing any AI project.’
Major General Paul Nanson CB CBE, former Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Director Leadership (Army).
'This book arrives at the right time. It challenges extremes, clarifies misconceptions, and offers practical guidance to commanders and practitioners who must integrate AI into the realities of defence. Through 4 brilliant examples it also reminds us that AI is not an end in itself, but a means to enhance human contribution.'
Air-Vice Marshal (Retired) Bruce Hedley MBE, Former Director of Joint Warfare, UK Ministry of Defence.
'In this engaging book, Dr Darrell Jaya Ratnam demystifies the oft ill understood concept of AI. The book provides a reader with both conceptual clarity regarding the different technologies grouped under the rubric of AI as well as their specific applications. The work thus provides practical insights regarding how decisionmakers within defence can both assess the value of specific capabilities and apply them to problems. By beginning from the perspective of the user in defence organizations with their own structures, routines and priorities, the book offers a perspective often missing in a landscape dominated by technologists.'
Dr Sidharth Kaushal, Senior Research Fellow, RUSI
180 pages
Publication 17th October 2025
9781912440740 paperback
9781922440757 hardback
9781912440764 EPUB accessible WCAG 2.2 Level AA
Show Me Don't Tell Me: Lessons From Defence AI
Darrell founded DIEM Consulting Ltd in 2002 after a career that had encompassed strategic decision making within the UK Ministry of Defence and advising corporates & governments at the London office of leading strategy consultants McKinsey & Co. He then founded DIEM Analytics Ltd in 2011 to conduct R&D into decision-aides and AI, and has led DIEM’s projects for the UK and US military, think-tanks and NATO. He sits on the UK MOD’s AI Ethics Advisory Panel and has lectured on Strategic Change at Birkbeck College, University of London and the Role of the Board at the UK Defence Academy. He has featured in articles in Janes International Defence Review and UK MOD publications, and has published articles on strategy in the prestigious McKinsey Quarterly, on how risk should be communicated to the board in Risk Management magazine & on stakeholder engagement in Expert Witness magazine. He has a degree in Engineering from Christ’s College Cambridge and a PhD in Ballistics from the Royal Military College of Science, Cranfield University.