Five Eyes finalising joint AI-enabled digital backbone for military use

The New Zealand Defence Force announced that the Five Eyes nations are nearing the completion of formal agreements for Arcadia, a joint digital backbone designed to integrate AI across their militaries. The project aims to create a shared infrastructure that enhances command, control and data exchange, supporting both training and combat scenarios. While foundational work continues, a memorandum of understanding is slated for signing early next year, and partners are reviewing staffing and oversight mechanisms.

Cost allocations have not yet been disclosed, though New Zealand intends to seek funding in its upcoming defence budget. The initiative aligns with New Zealand's priority to strengthen combat and strike capabilities, and it envisions a federated system that preserves national control while improving interoperability.