Image Credits: US Navy The U.S. Department of the Navy has approved a new strategy to expand the use of data and artificial intelligence (AI) across its operations, as it seeks to build an “AI-first” fleet capable of making faster decisions in future conflicts. Signed by Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, the Strategy to Weaponise Data and Artificial Intelligence took effect immediately this month after more than a year of work led by the Department of the Navy Chief Data and AI Officer (DON CDAO), together with AI teams from the Navy and Marine Corps. The Navy says it is operating in one of the most demanding maritime security environments in recent years. It said U.S. naval forces have intercepted hundreds of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles launched by Iran and its proxies, requiring rapid learning and adaptation during combat operations at sea. The Department said the strategy is designed to build a data-ready, AI-enabled force that can improve decision-making and help maintain U.S. maritime superiority. It plans to integrate data and AI throughout naval operations, treating them as core operational assets alongside personnel, weapons systems and munitions. According to the strategy, “weaponising” data and AI means using the technologies to generate faster, data-driven advantages that improve combat effectiveness, strengthen business operations and help maintain the Navy’s competitive edge. To achieve this, the Department will use a five-step digital adaptation framework known as the Bits2Effects Cycle, which is intended to quickly turn data into improvements in capabilities, tactics, decision-making and training during both peacetime competition and conflict. The strategy is built around six main goals. The first is to speed up the use of operational AI by identifying promising projects and quickly assessing them for wider deployment. The second focuses on improving data readiness by standardising and simplifying