Saab will integrate Maxar Intelligence technologies into its military products to develop new space-based multi-domain combat capabilities under a partnership agreement between the two companies.
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Maxar said the team-up will focus on systems for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, providing autonomous drone systems with digital and GPS resilience. According to the company, the joint initiative seeks to support the rapid development of sovereign space-based defense capabilities for Europe.
Buildup From Raptor Collaboration
The collaboration advances an earlier joint effort that enabled Saab to deploy and test Maxar’s Raptor software in autonomous drone operation and navigation in GPS-denied locations. It also provides Saab with Maxar’s geospatial intelligence products, including access to real-time commercial satellite imagery with 3D terrain data and ground coordinates accurate within less than 2 meters.
Maxar Intelligence CEO Dan Smoot said the collaboration shows the growing awareness that tactical edge could be enhanced when geospatial intelligence is combined with mission-focused software.
“This partnership will bring together Maxar’s industry-leading geospatial intelligence products with Saab’s highly advanced defense systems to solve some of the most complex tactical and operational challenges across the battlespace today — from powering more intelligent, real-time multi-domain command and control systems to helping autonomous systems overcome GPS jamming,” he said.
For Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s Dynamics business, the partnership is “a significant leap forward” in his company’s commitment to using space data to enhance European and global defense capabilities. “By integrating Maxar’s high-end geospatial insights and satellite capabilities with our advanced defense systems, we are setting new standards in the effectiveness and reliability of military operations across multiple domains,” he said.