Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • DARPA selects BAE Systems to create autonomy software for multi-domain missions

Defence

DARPA selects BAE Systems to create autonomy software for multi-domain missions

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop software that will enable semi-autonomous multi-domain mission planning.


   
Above: BAE Systems will develop software for military operators that will enable semi-autonomous multi-domain mission planning.
Courtesy BAE Systems

The technology will be designed for military operators to leverage battlespace resources from across various domains, such as space, air, land, and sea, for more effective, efficient missions.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Military operators currently use manual processes to assess availability and coordinate use of sensors, communications, weapons, and other assets across domains. DARPA's Adapting Cross-Domain Kill-Webs (ACK) programme will seek to help operators adapt to dynamic situations with software technology that automatically identifies the best options. In response, BAE Systems' FAST Labs research and development organisation, along with teammate Carnegie Mellon University, will create software called Multi-domain Adaptive Request Service (MARS).

MARS aims to help operators make informed decisions by automatically identifying available capabilities across domains, and then rapidly assessing the costs and benefits to use those capabilities when adjusting mission tasks. The software also includes a visual interface that will allow the exploration of available asset options, helping operators arrive at the best course of action to deliver the desired effect on targets.

"Multi-domain mission planning is complex because it involves a tremendous amount of distributed variables such as domains, systems, resources, and manned and unmanned platforms," said Chris Eisenbies, product line director of the Autonomy, Controls and Estimation group at BAE Systems. "Our hope is that MARS will provide warfighters with the ability to automatically leverage the resources they need and quickly determine the most effective way to accomplish their mission no matter what type of battlespace they are operating in."

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

MARS builds on BAE Systems' robust autonomy portfolio and 20-year history pioneering autonomy technology. Work on the ACK program, valued at $3.1 million, is being performed at the company's facilities in Burlington, Massachusetts and Arlington, Virginia.

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Lockheed Martin strengthens supply chain resilience

Defence

Lockheed Martin strengthens supply chain resilience

24 October 2025

Lockheed Martin is strengthening the resilience of its supply chain to ensure the US and its allies receive combat-ready missile systems precisely when needed. 

Sir Jeremy Quin appointed President of Boeing UK & Ireland

Aerospace Defence Space

Sir Jeremy Quin appointed President of Boeing UK & Ireland

24 October 2025

Boeing has named the Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Quin as the new President of Boeing UK & Ireland.

HAV secures first military aircraft reservation for Airlander

Aerospace Defence

HAV secures first military aircraft reservation for Airlander

23 October 2025

Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd (HAV), the designer of Airlander, has today announced the reservation of a further three aircraft, representing the first Airlander 10 aircraft destined for defence use.

Digital & Cyber Bursary scheme in Lancashire expanded

Defence Security

Digital & Cyber Bursary scheme in Lancashire expanded

23 October 2025

Five hundred students in Lancashire are to be given the opportunity to join the frontline of UK cyber defence, through a new major expansion of the Government’s Digital & Cyber Bursary Programme.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Robosys secures Australian AMC Search training support contract

Defence Security

Robosys secures Australian AMC Search training support contract

23 October 2025

Robosys Automation has secured a new contract award from the Australian Maritime College, AMC Search, to supply its advanced VOYAGER AI software as a retrofit to its OPT WAMV-16 Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV).

Royal Navy completes trials of Thales

Defence

Royal Navy completes trials of Thales' Martlet missile

23 October 2025

Britain’s latest supersonic missile is fully ready for frontline action after completing extensive trials during an ‘explosive autumn’ of tests and exercises.

Advertisement
ODU RT