Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems to advance autonomous tech for automatic target recognition

Defence

BAE Systems to advance autonomous tech for automatic target recognition

BAE Systems is to develop tightly integrated machine learning software as part of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Multi-Sensor Exploitation for Tactical Autonomy (META) programme.

Image courtesy BAE Systems

New contract enhances BAE Systems’ extensive autonomy portfolio and 20-year history pioneering autonomy technology.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) awarded BAE Systems a $7.8 million contract to develop tightly integrated machine learning software as part of the Multi-Sensor Exploitation for Tactical Autonomy (META) programme. This technology will enable advanced situational awareness and automatic target recognition (ATR).

Advertisement
ODU RT

Under the terms of the award, BAE Systems’ FAST Labs research and development organisation will provide Environmentally Adaptive Geospatial Learning and Exploitation, an innovative suite of machine learning and fusion algorithms. The system integrates multiple elements of the company’s extensive autonomy portfolio to provide high confidence detection, tracking, identification and intent understanding for critical mobile targets in contested environments, including targets under camouflage, concealment and deception.

“With the addition of environmentally adaptive processing, this solution bridges a critical gap in machine learning,” said Mark Kolba, program manager for BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “Providing local situational awareness and human-like context of environmental conditions will greatly reduce false alarms.”

BAE Systems develops autonomous data exploitation capabilities for systems and sensors for potential use in US military operations across air and space domains. The programme builds on the success of the company’s Multi-intelligence ATR for Geospatial Intelligence Capabilities technology that was successfully developed through AFRL’s Study of Emerging Exploitation Developments programme.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

The software enhances BAE Systems’ extensive autonomy portfolio and 20-year history pioneering autonomy technology.

 

Advertisement
Tritax leaderboard 728x90 Tritax leaderboard 728x90
Jim Carter appointed Director General C&I by NAD Group

Defence

Jim Carter appointed Director General C&I by NAD Group

2 December 2025

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has appointed Jim Carter as permanent Director General for Commercial and Industry (C&I) following an external competition.

Anotec achieves JOSCAR accreditation

Aerospace Defence

Anotec achieves JOSCAR accreditation

2 December 2025

Advanced surface coating specialist Anotec has strengthened its compliance across aerospace and defence, by achieving JOSCAR accreditation.

Lane Electronics introduces Cinch Fibreco Mil-Spec D38999 connectors

Defence Security

Lane Electronics introduces Cinch Fibreco Mil-Spec D38999 connectors

1 December 2025

Lane Electronics has introduced Cinch Fibreco generic D38999 (MIL-DTL-38999 series III) Fibre-Optic Connectors are now available from Lane Electronics

BAE Systems to produce additional Bradley A4s for US Army

Defence

BAE Systems to produce additional Bradley A4s for US Army

27 November 2025

The US Army and BAE Systems have definitised a contract modification worth over $390 million to upgrade additional Bradley A4 Fighting Vehicles.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250
Bourton Group appoints Glenn Gooding as Associate Partner

Aerospace Defence Security

Bourton Group appoints Glenn Gooding as Associate Partner

26 November 2025

Bourton Group LLP has announced the appointment of Glenn Gooding as Associate Partner, to enhance the consultancy’s expertise in supporting UK defence and aerospace manufacturers with operational improvement, engineering excellence and capability development.

Babcock to lead on enhancing Indonesian naval capabilities

Defence Security

Babcock to lead on enhancing Indonesian naval capabilities

26 November 2025

The UK and Indonesia have agreed a landmark £4 billion maritime deal that includes joint development of the Indonesian navy’s maritime capability, with Babcock chosen as the prime industrial partner for the new Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP).

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250