In this edition of the "AIMI Industry Alerts" digest, we focus on key strategic advancements in AI within U.S. defense. The Air Force's secretive contracts for AI-driven drone autonomy signal a significant leap in combat technology, emphasizing the importance of maintaining technological superiority in modern warfare. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's $3 billion contract for AI-driven intelligence highlights the military's growing reliance on AI for maintaining situational awareness in critical regions. Additionally, Trump's proposed "Manhattan Projects" for AI reflect a potential regulatory shift aimed at accelerating U.S. dominance in AI technology.
REGULATIONS/ATMOSPHERICS
The Washington Post
July 16, 2024
Allies of former President Trump are drafting an AI-focused executive order that would launch "Manhattan Projects" for military technology development and review AI regulations. The framework, which contrasts with the Biden administration's approach, seeks to favor Silicon Valley investors by reducing regulatory burdens. The initiative reflects a broader alignment with tech industry leaders who are increasingly supporting Trump. The plan also aims to curb China's access to AI technologies while fostering U.S. dominance in the field.
TechCrunch
July 21, 2024
CIA AI Director Lakshmi Raman outlined the agency’s approach to AI, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful integration and ethical considerations. Raman highlighted the need
for maintaining human oversight in AI-driven processes to ensure responsible use within national security operations. This strategy reflects the CIA's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies while balancing innovation with legal and ethical standards.
Breaking Defense
July 26, 2024
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall addressed the moral and legal implications of AI in warfare, questioning accountability when AI systems cause harm. Kendall emphasized the need for clear guidelines and human oversight to ensure ethical AI deployment in military operations. He acknowledged the complexities of integrating AI into defense, highlighting the balance between technological advancement and moral responsibility. The discussion underscores the importance of addressing the potential consequences of AI decision-making in life-and-death situations.
FUNDING/CONTRACTS
Air Force
Breaking Defense
July 29, 2024
The US Air Force has awarded contracts to five vendors for developing AI autonomy software for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which will control future drone wingmen. While the identities of the companies remain classified, the contracts represent a mix of traditional and nontraditional defense firms. The program's details, including specific schedule milestones and contract values, are also under wraps due to the sensitivity of the technology involved. The initiative underscores the Air Force's focus on integrating AI into combat scenarios.
Coast Guard
PR Newswire
July 1, 2024
Shield AI's V-BAT unmanned aircraft system has been awarded a $198 million contract to provide the U.S. Coast Guard with maritime UAV services. The V-BAT will enhance the Coast Guard's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, especially in challenging maritime environments. This contract underscores the increasing reliance on advanced UAV technology for critical defense and security operations.
Army
The Defense Post
August 2, 2024
The US Army has contracted Scientific Systems to upgrade its Buried Object Reporting and Identification System (BORIS), a software used for countering unexploded ordnance. The enhancements will improve scanning, identification, and data processing, making bomb disposal operations more efficient and safer. BORIS has been widely used in humanitarian demining efforts globally, including in conflict zones across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. The modernization reflects the Army's commitment to addressing next-generation threats with advanced technology.
PR Newswire
July 23, 2024
Enveil has secured the Army Linchpin contract to provide secure AI solutions for the U.S. Army. The contract focuses on enhancing the security and efficiency of AI applications in sensitive defense operations. Enveil's solutions aim to protect data during processing, ensuring that critical AI-driven insights can be securely utilized in mission-critical environments. This partnership highlights the importance of data security in the advancement of AI technologies for military use.
PR Newswire
July 23, 2024
SandboxAQ has partnered with the US Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) to advance the discovery of new materials for armored vehicles and battery design using AI-enabled technologies. This collaboration focuses on developing high-performance alloys and advanced batteries, aiming to enhance the durability and effectiveness of military equipment. The partnership represents a significant step in leveraging AI to accelerate innovation in critical defense technologies.
Joint
SpaceNews
July 12, 2024
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is set to award a $3 billion contract for AI-driven intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services. The Long-Range Enterprise Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Activity (LEIA) program will integrate data from ground, aerial, and space-based platforms to monitor potential threats across the Indo-Pacific. This move reflects the military's growing demand for commercial data and AI-fueled analytics to maintain situational awareness in this critical region, with the contract expected to be awarded later this year.
Breaking Defense
July 16, 2024
The U.S. Department of Defense is expanding the Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDE) to include more industry partners. Led by the Defense Department's AI chief, this initiative aims to integrate AI and machine learning into a global battle network, accelerating AI-enabled capabilities across the military. The effort seeks collaboration with both traditional and nontraditional defense companies, highlighting the growing role of AI in modern warfare and strategic military operations.
The Motley Fool
July 29, 2024
Planet Labs, known for its "Space Hippie" ethos of environmental and humanitarian missions, is increasingly involved in defense and intelligence sectors. While the company still emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, its satellite imagery and analytics services are now used for military applications, including by the US Department of Defense. This shift raises questions about the balance between commercial and defense operations and the potential impact on Planet Labs' brand identity.
DEVELOPMENTS/RELEASES
Aerial
UAS Weekly
July 15, 2024
D-Fend Solutions has upgraded its EnforceAir2 counter-drone system with AI-powered mitigation capabilities and a new user interface. The enhancements improve the system’s ability to detect, track, and neutralize rogue drones, even in disrupted environments. The AI-driven engine supports more effective real-time decision-making, while the intuitive interface enhances situational awareness. These upgrades aim to bolster security and operational effectiveness in various challenging scenarios.
OKSI
July 11, 2024
OKSI has introduced its "Omniscience" AI/ML technology portfolio, designed to enhance unmanned airborne platforms' capabilities. This portfolio integrates advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, enabling UAVs to process data in real time, make autonomous decisions, and operate efficiently in dynamic environments. The Omniscience platform aims to support a wide range of applications, from military missions to commercial uses, improving UAV performance across various scenarios.
Aerotech News
July 11, 2024
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works, in collaboration with the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory, successfully demonstrated AI-driven air-to-air intercepts using live aircraft. The AI conducted tactical exercises, including offensive and defensive scenarios, showcasing its ability to make real-time decisions with precision. This milestone is part of a broader initiative to advance AI autonomy for air-to-air missions, with further tests planned to increase operational complexity. The successful integration highlights the growing role of AI in enhancing aerial combat capabilities.
Newswire
July 20, 2024
Cubic Corporation has announced its collaboration in DARPA's Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program, which aims to enhance air combat capabilities through autonomous systems. Cubic's role involves developing advanced training and simulation technologies to improve pilot readiness and decision-making in AI-driven combat scenarios. The collaboration underscores the growing integration of AI in military training and operations, with the ACE program focusing on the future of air combat involving manned-unmanned teaming and autonomous systems.
Naval
Breaking Defense
July 19, 2024
Saronic, a defense tech startup specializing in autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), has raised $175 million in Series B funding led by Andreessen Horowitz. This funding will accelerate the production of Saronic's ASVs, including the 6-foot Spyglass, 14-foot Cutlass, and the upcoming 24-foot Corsair models. These vessels align with the US Navy's goals for a future hybrid fleet of unmanned systems. Saronic’s participation in military exercises has heightened demand for their technology, positioning them as a key player in the evolving defense landscape.
INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, RECONNAISSANCE
Breaking Defense
July 17, 2024
Google Cloud has introduced a new appliance designed to bring cloud-based AI capabilities directly to the tactical edge for military applications. This technology enables real-time data processing and decision-making in remote or disconnected environments, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness. The appliance integrates with existing military systems and aims to support a wide range of defense operations, including battlefield intelligence and situational awareness, by leveraging the power of AI in critical scenarios.
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