LONDON, Sept 12, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The UK government said Thursday it has agreed a œ400 million ($543 million) contract with Google Cloud under a partnership to share classified information with the United States, days before President Donald Trump's visit.

The deal "will strengthen secure communication links between the UK and US, in addition to the extensive intelligence and security partnership our two countries already share," Britain's Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

It added Google Cloud's latest technology, including "AI, data analytics, and cyber security", will be used by defence intelligence and national security specialists to boost cooperation.

The ministry touted millions of pounds of inward investment from Google Cloud, noting the US tech giant will recruit a specialist UK team to manage the programme.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the tech "has strict data sovereignty and security controls" which ensures that "critical data remains under direct UK control".

Tara Brady, Google Cloud's EMEA President, said the contract would help the UK government "develop a robust and resilient infrastructure and harness the latest technology innovations".

"This partnership will enable the MoD to accelerate its digital modernisation efforts while maintaining the highest levels of security and data sovereignty," she added.

The announcement of the deal comes ahead of Trump's state visit to Britain next week, with several major US tech executives reportedly set to join the American leader.