Air Force Research Laboratory’s Post

The European Commission signed the Grant Agreement for the launch of the STORE (Shared daTabase for Optronics image Recognition and Evaluation) collaborative research project, coordinated by Thales and funded by the EDF (European Defence Fund). Bringing together a consortium of 20 partners (manufacturers, SMEs and academics) from 8 EU Member States and Norway, this project aims to build a shared image database secured by most advanced technology and to develop and evaluate artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms dedicated to data analysis of ground platform imaging systems. This project will contribute to the automatic management and tactical analysis of information in land combat situations, thanks to technological innovation in deep learning of optronic data. “We are proud that the EDF is financing this project which entrusts Thales as project lead and coordinator of this network of partners, European industrial and technological jewels. We will leverage all of our experience and expertise in optronics and artificial intelligence to offer high perception capacities, providing decisive tactic superiority on battlefields,” said Benoit Plantier, Vice-president of Optronics and Missile Electronics activity, Thales. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dWi2Y-rP #Thales #EU #EUdefence #EDF #Europe #cooperation #defence #industry #technology #military #armedforces

The Air Force will likely award a contract or contracts for the first increment of Collaborative Combat Aircraft in late September or early October, sources familiar with the program said. It’s not yet been decided if the Air Force will carry one or both of its Increment 1 competitors—Anduril and General Atomics—into the next phase of development. Prior to contract award, both companies will have to pass “a CDR-like review,” an industry source said, referring to Critical Design Review, a benchmark that typically takes place after a program has been underway and under contract for two or more years. With CCA, though, the goal is to put actual operational examples into the hands of operators within two years of contract award. Anduril and General Atomics were picked for the CCA Increment 1 phase in April. Unlike previous awards, the service said it will allow non-selected competitors to vie for production of the ultimately selected airplane. The Air Force’s goal is to quickly produce 100 of the autonomous aircraft and begin experimenting with them operationally, using lessons learned to refine their design and capabilities. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has said he sees an Air Force requirement for at least 1,000 and as many as 2,000 CCAs by the mid-2030s. He also sees the unit cost of CCA coming in at around a third of the cost of an F-35—about $27 million. On the June 29 edition of “The Merge” podcast, Anduril and General Atomics executives discussed the state of their entries and both said numerous times they view the two offerings as “complementary,” so it is possible that both are expected to advance to the next phase, which may or may not carry the traditional description “engineering and manufacturing development.” Much of the CCA effort is geared to “what’s available now, and what can we get now, instead of highly optimizing a platform that’s going to take us 10 years,” said Anduril vice president for air dominance Diem Salmon. The Air Force is going to get “two very complimentary capabilities that they’ll be able to kind of procure and scale, and everybody wins,” she said. #CCA #AFRL #USAF The Air Force Research Laboratory's XQ-67A Off Board Sensing Station, or OBSS, designed and built by General Atomics, took its maiden flight Feb. 28 from Gray Butte Field Airport, Palmdale, Calif.

Insta is part of the industry consortium led by ICEYE. The consortium, comprised of ICEYE, and Finnish industry players Insta, Huld, DA-Group, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute as a supplier, will work together with Lockheed Martin on advancing technological development. The partnership also aims to support the Finnish Defense Forces with the goal to enhance the security of supply and strengthen Finland’s position as a leader in cutting-edge aerospace technology. 🤝 Read more about Insta's expertise: https://lnkd.in/dw_YvXe6 Or read the whole press release 👇

Technology does not win wars. Tech+Tactics+Training does. "The 3Ts" But the enduring strength requires a 4th T: Team And in today's world where partners and allies provide that, we must also think of "the 3Is" - Integration - Interoperability - Interchangeability Here's a short clip on this topic from my opening remarks on the technology and deterrence panel at the prestigious Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference in London. #airpower #technology #defense

ICEYE is honored to lead the consortium in an industrial participation program for the Finnish Ministry of Defense F-35 program, to develop advanced dual-use space technologies for space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for military users such as the Finnish Defense Forces. Together with Lockheed Martin and prominent Finnish industry players — Insta, Huld, DA-Group, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute as a supplier — we advance technological development. The work will progress disruptive capabilities such as analytics with Artificial Intelligence (AI), and encompass mobile ISR cell development, advanced analytics, and high-performance SAR imaging for all weather and light conditions, making it especially suitable for the demanding Arctic weather and light conditions of NATO’s Northern Flank. The partnership also aims to support the Finnish Defense Forces with the goal to enhance the security of supply and strengthen Finland’s position as a leader in cutting-edge aerospace technology. “This partnership aligns with our ambition to strengthen information capabilities and develop advanced technologies, ensuring that the Finnish Defense Forces and Allies can be equipped with the vital knowledge and capabilities required to maintain the strategic advantage,” said Pekka Laurila, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-founder of ICEYE. Read more: https://hubs.li/Q02YTXnT0.

ICEYE Leads Consortium for Finnish Defense Ministry Program ICEYE, alongside Insta, Huld, DA-Group, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute, is driving advanced space-based ISR technologies for Finland’s Defense Forces in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. This partnership integrates AI-powered analytics, mobile ISR cells, and cutting-edge SAR imaging to boost Finland’s defense capabilities and global collaboration. 🔎Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYb4NDqt #SpaceNews #DefenseTech #ISR #SARImaging #AerospaceLeadership Pekka Laurila, Defence Industry Europe, Petri Reiman, Matti Anttila, Pekka Airola, Jyri Heilimo

Dive into the November issue of AICTE Connect with the theme "Synergizing Skill and Innovation." This edition highlights the transformative potential of cutting-edge curricula and initiatives in Defence, Aerospace, and Emerging Sectors. 📖 Read the full issue here: https://lnkd.in/gmpxtDCx Sitharam T.G Abhay Jere Rajive Kumar ISpA- Indian Space Association MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA #SkillDevelopment #Innovation #Defence #Aerospace #AICTEConnect

From the rapid advancement of cutting-edge technologies to the shifting dynamics of economic and financial ecosystems, the global #aerospace and #defense sector stands at the precipice of a new era: one that demands unparalleled agility, innovation, and collaboration. Read our latest article to understand the trends shaping the sector's future:  Make sure to catch us at the upcoming #FarnboroughAirShow to learn more about this paper and other insights we have into the industry. Authors: Raffi Boladian, Chady Daccache, Elvie Lahournere, and Francesco