Answer for question E-003641/23

EN E-003641/2023 Answer given by Mr Breton on behalf of the European Commission (5.4.2024) The European Initiative for Collaborative Air Combat Standardisation (EICACS) project1 addresses the integration of heterogeneous systems for collaborative air combat through standardisation of communication and sensors to ensure the interoperability of future air combat systems. It integrates several innovative technologies, among which artificial intelligence (AI). Regarding AI, the project develops guidance on processes and methods to be used for the development, validation and operational qualification of safety-critical, mission-critical and non-critical AI based functions. The project implements the requirements of the Assessment List for Trustworthy AI2 at different stages during the project. All European Defence Fund proposals underwent an ethics review, including EICACS. To maintain a beneficial coherence of military standards and technologies with civilian ones, a standardisation framework, such as the one being contemplated by ISO-IEC3 and CEN- CENELEC4 will be considered, for example the AI terminology and concepts5 from ISOIEC. Standardisation efforts, inspired by the principles, rules of engagement, and doctrines of the European defence organisations and forces, and also inspired by foundational EU guidelines and roadmaps such as the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI6, will be considered for the design and development of the future air combat systems,...