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
ODU RT

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

 

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Galvion introducing CORTEX EVO at SOF Week 2026

Defence Events

Galvion introducing CORTEX EVO at SOF Week 2026

14 May 2026

Galvion will showcase the continued evolution of its CORTEX architecture at SOF Week 2026 (18th-21st May), featuring the introduction of its CORTEX EVO system.

ISTEC collaborates with SiNAB on complex weapons systems

Defence

ISTEC collaborates with SiNAB on complex weapons systems

14 May 2026

Complex weapons integration specialist ISTEC Services Ltd, has signed a key collaboration agreement with Australian defence technology company SiNAB Pty Ltd.

British Army to receive 72 RCH 155s

Defence

British Army to receive 72 RCH 155s

14 May 2026

Seventy-two Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) will be procured under a nearly £1 billion contract, which includes initial training and in-service support, awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of the British Army to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall.

UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission

Defence

UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission

13 May 2026

Defence Secretary John Healey MP has outlined the UK contribution to the multinational Strait of Hormuz mission, with Britain deploying autonomous mine hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon, as part of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Canada awards Avon Protection respiratory solutions contract

Defence

Canada awards Avon Protection respiratory solutions contract

13 May 2026

The Government of Canada has awarded Avon Protection a five-year contract for the MITR-M1 Half Mask, MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter and accessories.

Chevrolet Silverado HD added to Team LionStrike

Defence

Chevrolet Silverado HD added to Team LionStrike's UK defence portfolio

13 May 2026

The strategic collaboration between BAE Systems, GM Defence and NP Aerospace - Team LionStrike - formed to develop light utility and tactical vehicle options for British Armed Forces, has added the Chevrolet Silverado HD to its UK defence offerings.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner