Imaging sensors were used with precision guided weapons since the early 1970. Until recently, lack of processing power and datalink capacity have limited the use of such guidance techniques to relatively short range direct attack weapons (such as Maverick) and medium range strike missiles (such as Have Lite and SLAM). With the introduction of powerful thermal imaging sensors and signal processors, autonomous (fire and forget) missiles are now available for anti-tank uses. Similar capabilities are also provided to support standoff aerial weapons, both for autonomous and guided weapons. These weapons offer high precision, and inherent battle damage assessment capability which cannot be provided by GPS, SAL or radar directed weapons. Furthermore, EO sensors enable important functions which are becoming essential for modern warfare – such as positive, automatic or manual identification of targets, engagement of moving targets, and dynamic aimpoint selection even with autonomous weapons, with the use of target recognition and tracking (ATA/ATR). While “man in the loop” capability of EO guided weapons is extremely useful, deployment of many such weapons in simultaneous attack require significant investment in bandwidth and datalink coordination and support, which can complicate the execution.
DefenseTech Brief | April 21, 2025
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This week’s DefenseTech Brief captures a defense landscape in flux—driven by urgent needs for missile defense, advanced autonomy, and sovereign production capabilities. Across domains and continents, governments and industries are accelerating the integration of...
Autonomy Takes to the Seas
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This article is part of our weekly DefenseTech Brief.
Investment and activity in unmanned maritime systems (UMS), encompassing Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), continue to accelerate, driven by naval requirements for...
Advanced Fighter Market Update
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This article is part of our weekly DefenseTech Brief.
While major powers like the USA, Europe, and China push forward with 6th-generation fighter concepts, significant global interest and procurement activity remain focused on advanced 4th-,...
NATO AI Modernization: Palantir’s Maven Smart System Acquisition
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This article is part of our weekly DefenseTech Brief.
NATO has taken a significant step in modernizing its warfighting capabilities by rapidly acquiring an AI-enabled platform from Palantir Technologies. On March 25, 2025, the NATO...
Loitering Munition Developments: Enhancing Precision Strike
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This article is part of our weekly DefenseTech Brief.
Loitering munitions (LMs), which provide relatively low-cost precision strike capabilities with surveillance potential, continue to proliferate. Development efforts focus on increasing range, autonomy, and resilience.
AeroShul to...
Integrating Intelligence into Unmanned Systems
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This article is part of our weekly DefenseTech Brief.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous capabilities into military platforms and software continues at a rapid pace, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness, reduce personnel...
Rocket Systems & Production Dynamics: Meeting Surging Demand
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This article is part of our weekly DefenseTech Brief.
The critical role of long-range precision fires, particularly Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), demonstrated in recent conflicts, continues to drive significant activity in production and international...