Dive into the heart of the collaboration between Helsing, IBM and Rohde & Schwarz for the development of an artificial intelligence infrastructure for the future air combat system (FCAS). This consortium strengthens the future of air defense and provides insight into next-generation technological advancements.
A revolutionary technological partnership in sight
Munich, August 30, 2023 – In an era where innovation is at the heart of priorities, the German Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) is looking ahead to the future by investing in artificial intelligence (AI) for the Future Air Combat System (FCAS). This colossal project, representing several billion euros of investment, has chosen the consortium made up of the giants Helsing, IBM and Rohde & Schwarz, with their proven expertise.
Towards a new era of aerial combat
The FCAS is not simply a fighter jet project, but a strategic collaboration between three major European powers: Germany, France and Spain. These nations are jointly investing in the project to design what will undoubtedly be the most advanced combat aircraft of its generation. At the heart of this titanic project, the Future Generation Weapon System (SAGF) aims not only to develop a sixth generation fighter aircraft, but also drones and other unmanned aerial systems, paving the way for theaters of ‘unprecedented operations.
AI, at the center of FCAS
“We live in a time where conflicts are not won with ammunition alone, but with information,” says Stephanie Lingemann, Program Director at Helsing. For her, artificial intelligence is a strategic pivot which could well change the situation in future confrontations. She estimates that this new infrastructure could multiply the operational capabilities of the Air Force tenfold by integrating intelligent systems.
Innovation in the service of defense
The consortium, rich in world-renowned companies, promises to revolutionize the technological approach to defense. Dr Martin Schönhofer, CEO of SSE, with over 20 years of experience in the sector, discusses the importance of this collaboration. He is convinced that it will mark a turning point in the history of European defense. For its part, IBM, with more than 100 years of existence and a turnover exceeding 75 billion dollars, brings its vast expertise in cloud technology, essential for the security and optimal use of AI. With With R&D budgets exceeding billions, the HIS consortium is preparing to offer a high-performance AI solution for military applications. This collaboration will not only develop sophisticated algorithms, but also facilitate the implementation of these technologies in the German armed forces, enabling an estimated 25% increase in operational efficiency.
Germany; Innovation; Consortium; Helsing; IBM; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Future Air Combat System (FCAS); German Federal Bureau of Equipment (BAAINBw); Rohde & Schwarz; Strategic collaboration; France; Spain; Future Generation Weapon System (FAWS); Fighter jet; Sixth generation; Drones; Conflicts; Air Force; Cloud technology; European Defense; R&D (Research and Development); Operational efficiency; Schönhofer Sales and Engineering (SSE); Digital transformation.
