Latest news with #MaxarIntelligence
Axios
3 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Exclusive: Maxar and Saab seek stronger Europe in new partnership
Maxar Intelligence and Saab are expanding their partnership, this time focused on geospatial intelligence, drone autonomy and improved targeting. Why it matters: The collaboration could bolster European security at a time when Russia's war machine looms large and a rearmed continent remains a hot topic. "We can transfer that knowledge, their capabilities, into European defense in several different ways," Per Järbur, director of strategy and future capabilities at Saab's Dynamics business area, told Axios. Zoom in: The deal gives Saab access to Maxar's satellite imagery and terrain data, as well as software like Raptor, which lets drones navigate in the absence of GPS with no additional, bolted-on equipment. The two companies tested Raptor in multiple countries, but did not specify which. "If you think about the geo-accuracy of what we're doing, we're within a couple of meters … for things like targeting and so forth," Dan Smoot, Maxar Intelligence's chief executive, said in an interview. "That's the power of having this rapid and precise 3D capability built into Raptor." Zoom out: The goal is to have an immediate effect. Both companies mentioned strengthening C5ISR, or command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Maxar and Saab Agree Strategic Partnership to Develop Multi-Domain Battlespace Solutions and Advance Europe's Space-Based Capabilities
WESTMINSTER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 4, 2025-- Maxar Intelligence, the leading provider of secure, precise geospatial insights, today announced a strategic partnership with Saab to jointly develop next-generation multi-domain battlespace solutions, with a specific focus on advanced space-based C5ISR systems (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) for the digital battlefield and GPS resilience for autonomous drone systems. These solutions will help Europe accelerate the development of more advanced sovereign space-based capabilities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Maxar Intelligence and Saab are partnering to develop next-generation battlespace solutions. Using Maxar's industry-leading geospatial intelligence products and its Raptor technology, the two partners will develop new technologies for advanced C5ISR and effective operation of autonomous drone systems in GPS-denied environments. (Graphic: Maxar Intelligence) Through a Teaming Agreement, Saab can access Maxar's geospatial intelligence and advanced mission products like Raptor, as well as draw upon the company's technical expertise. The deal expands on Maxar's existing relationship with Saab, which has most recently focused on deploying Maxar's Raptor product for autonomous drone navigation and operation in GPS-denied environments. '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,' said Dan Smoot, Maxar Intelligence CEO. 'The deal also reflects the growing realization that geospatial intelligence can go beyond powering analyst workflows to powering mission-focused software products deployed at the tactical edge.' 'And, most importantly, our partnership with Saab underscores Maxar's deep commitment to supporting our international customers as they continue to build up their sovereign defense capabilities, both in Europe and across the globe,' Smoot continued. The agreement builds on successful joint testing of Maxar's Raptor software product. The technology was tested with Saab in multiple countries, including a demo in real-world conditions where the product demonstrated the ability to accurately extract ground coordinates within an accuracy of less than 2 m. 'Our collaboration with Maxar represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to use information from the Space domain and thereby enhancing the strategic defense capabilities of Europe and beyond,' says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics. '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.' Maxar's geospatial intelligence products will also help Saab build more advanced C5ISR solutions through secure access to the most advanced commercial satellite imagery in near real-time. Maxar's global 3D terrain data unlocks unique opportunities for real-time multi-source data fusion, enabling truly joint multi-domain operations, seamless interoperability between autonomous systems and enhanced mission coordination. About Maxar Intelligence Maxar Intelligence is a leading provider of secure, precise geospatial insights. Operating the most advanced commercial Earth observation constellation on orbit, we use the power of very high-resolution satellite imagery and software technology to deliver mission success on Earth and in space. Our secure, AI-powered products and services deliver ground truth in near real-time to keep nations safe, improve navigation, protect our planet, speed up disaster response and more. For more information, visit View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact: Tomi Maxted Maxar Intelligence [email protected] KEYWORD: COLORADO EUROPE UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY SECURITY SATELLITE AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING SOFTWARE NETWORKS INTERNET DATA MANAGEMENT SOURCE: Maxar Intelligence Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/04/2025 06:30 AM/DISC: 06/04/2025 06:28 AM
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Maxar and Saab Agree Strategic Partnership to Develop Multi-Domain Battlespace Solutions and Advance Europe's Space-Based Capabilities
WESTMINSTER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Maxar Intelligence, the leading provider of secure, precise geospatial insights, today announced a strategic partnership with Saab to jointly develop next-generation multi-domain battlespace solutions, with a specific focus on advanced space-based C5ISR systems (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) for the digital battlefield and GPS resilience for autonomous drone systems. These solutions will help Europe accelerate the development of more advanced sovereign space-based capabilities. Through a Teaming Agreement, Saab can access Maxar's geospatial intelligence and advanced mission products like Raptor, as well as draw upon the company's technical expertise. The deal expands on Maxar's existing relationship with Saab, which has most recently focused on deploying Maxar's Raptor product for autonomous drone navigation and operation in GPS-denied environments. '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,' said Dan Smoot, Maxar Intelligence CEO. 'The deal also reflects the growing realization that geospatial intelligence can go beyond powering analyst workflows to powering mission-focused software products deployed at the tactical edge.' 'And, most importantly, our partnership with Saab underscores Maxar's deep commitment to supporting our international customers as they continue to build up their sovereign defense capabilities, both in Europe and across the globe,' Smoot continued. The agreement builds on successful joint testing of Maxar's Raptor software product. The technology was tested with Saab in multiple countries, including a demo in real-world conditions where the product demonstrated the ability to accurately extract ground coordinates within an accuracy of less than 2 m. 'Our collaboration with Maxar represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to use information from the Space domain and thereby enhancing the strategic defense capabilities of Europe and beyond,' says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics. '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.' Maxar's geospatial intelligence products will also help Saab build more advanced C5ISR solutions through secure access to the most advanced commercial satellite imagery in near real-time. Maxar's global 3D terrain data unlocks unique opportunities for real-time multi-source data fusion, enabling truly joint multi-domain operations, seamless interoperability between autonomous systems and enhanced mission coordination. About Maxar Intelligence Maxar Intelligence is a leading provider of secure, precise geospatial insights. Operating the most advanced commercial Earth observation constellation on orbit, we use the power of very high-resolution satellite imagery and software technology to deliver mission success on Earth and in space. Our secure, AI-powered products and services deliver ground truth in near real-time to keep nations safe, improve navigation, protect our planet, speed up disaster response and more. For more information, visit
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
No signal, no problem: Intelligence firm debuts drone tech equipped to beat GPS jammers
A key geospatial intelligence firm on Tuesday announced a new product that can operate drones even in areas where the GPS signal has been jammed - cutting through modern defenses in the age of unmanned vehicular warfare. The war between Russia and Ukraine presented a unique problem: each military had learned how to jam the other's GPS signals, meaning their drones would be flying blind. This prompted the latest innovation from Maxar Intelligence, a drone-guiding technology that does not rely on satellite signals from space. Now, Maxar, a global satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence provider, has the capability to counter GPS-jamming technology through its Raptor system. "We're giving the drones a 3D map, allowing them to use that 3D map of the world to compare it to the video feed and position themselves," Peter Wilczynski, chief product officer at Maxar, told Fox News Digital. Lasers, Space Radars, Missile Interceptors: Defense Leaders Lay Out Vision For Trump's 'Golden Dome' Project The company's new camera-based recognition software, Raptor, allows drones to navigate and identify ground coordinates in contested regions where Global Positioning System (GPS) signals have been cut or remote areas where they do not exist. Read On The Fox News App Raptor can be installed to use a drone's existing camera and Maxar's 90 million-plus square kilometer of global 3D terrain data to helps the platform navigate terrain and extract ground coordinates. While other prototypes of terrain-based positioning preceded Raptor, Maxar believes it has the largest global collection of high-resolution terrain. "We're able to get the accuracy down to the best you can without GPS," said Wilczynski. The software builds off a 3D representation of the terrain it glides over, able to provide an accurate picture at night and at altitudes of 120 meters. "This is really the seminal thing that the Ukraine war did for battlefield technology," Wilczynski said. 'Star Trek Shield' Technology Gets $250M Boost To Knock Drone Swarms From The Sky With High-powered Microwave Around the world nations have been developing their GPS signal-jamming technologies to fend off autonomous vehicle attacks. Much of Ukraine is GPS-denied, as are large swaths in Europe and the Middle East. Experts believe that one of the first things China would do if it were to invade Taiwan would be to cut off the GPS signal to isolate the island. Maxar's data has been key for Ukraine in fending off Russia – when the U.S. cut off intelligence-sharing, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces lost access to Maxar's tracking of the movement of Russian troops and ability to assess damage. "From a military planning perspective, the assumption going forward is that in any conflict, GPS is not going to be a reliable positioning system anymore," Wilczynski said In the western hemisphere, GPS jamming has been used by drug traffickers to evade detection and other organized criminal operations. America's GPS, once considered cutting-edge, is now at risk of becoming outdated as Chinese, Russian and European systems modernize. The Pentagon, together with Space Force and Army, have in recent years been scrambling in search of alternatives for when GPS signal is unavailable on the battlefield. The issue has become acutely pressing as adversaries like China and Russia develop their anti-satellite capabilities. The threat is not contained to far-off conflict zones but also everyday life in the U.S.: financial systems, emergency services and air traffic could all face dire emergencies without access to their satellite systems. Maxar plans to employ its Raptor technology for both commercial and defense purposes as nations across the globe search for a cutting-edge alternative to GPS article source: No signal, no problem: Intelligence firm debuts drone tech equipped to beat GPS jammers
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's how a top satellite imagery company plans to fly drones through intense GPS jamming
Maxar Intelligence announced its new Raptor software designed to help drones navigate without GPS. Raptor works by combining a drone's visuals from its camera with Maxar's 3D topographical data. GPS jamming continues to be a challenge for drones and other systems. Drone operators on modern battlefields are facing intense electronic warfare, with enemy jamming making it outrageously difficult to fly with GPS. Maxar, a leading satellite imagery company, has unveiled a new solution to this problem that bypasses GPS by having drones rely on what they see and three-dimensional global terrain data. The company announced Raptor, a "first-of-its-kind" program, on Tuesday. It's designed for integration on any uncrewed aerial system; no additional hardware is required. Rather than using GPS for navigation or location information, a drone using the Raptor system can use Maxar's data — over 90 million square kilometers of 3D terrain data mapped around the world — and details from its surroundings. Peter Wilczynski, Maxar's chief product officer, said that this software ensures uncrewed systems "get the job done no matter how much GPS interference they face." It's a novel approach specifically designed to counter the challenges of GPS jamming and electronic warfare, which can throw drones off-course. That has been especially prevalent in the Ukraine war and is becoming a top concern for future wars. "The entire modern battle space is defined by GPS," Wilczynski explained. A wide range of military systems depend on it, but it may not be available in future fights. US and other Western military officials have long expressed the need for alternative navigational systems in environments where GPS may be contested or completely denied. Raptor about visual recognition and data matching. With the software, a drone operator can compare the drone's camera feed with Maxar's data in real time and figure out where the system is and where it needs to go. Maxar has been focused on the shift toward mapping out a 3D representation of the world from two-dimensional photos and data. Raptor is a culmination of that project, Wilczynski said, as well as an answer to the countermeasures that have been taking out drone navigation in battle. The Raptor system consists of three elements. The first part is the vision-based position software, which has an accuracy of less than 10 meters RMSE, or root mean square error, which measures the difference between the model's predictions and actual values. Next is the technology that syncs with the drone's video feed to Maxar's data. The final element is loaded on laptops, which the operators use to extract real-time coordinates from the video feed. Geography is not static, especially in a wartime scenario, where battlefields can change quickly. Wilczynski said Maxar can update its data in about a day's time; then Raptor gets new maps representing any changes. It's similar to giving a drone operator a map right before an operation. The drone's visual feed can also track changes by comparing what it's seeing to the data. And even with a bit of change or difference, or different qualities of video feeds depending on drone cameras, Raptor can help the operator match the 3D representation and video feed, sort of like "a puzzle or a lock and key," Wilcynzski said. A drone's visual feed, too, can be severed or jammed. Raptor allows the drone to keep the map data locally, so it can still use that should the feed between the operator and drone be cut. The 3D element, Wilcynzski said, is crucial. It gives the drone far more detailed topographical data than a 2D image. It's more resilient to nighttime operations, seasonal and weather changes, and altitudes. Raptor can operate as low as 120 meters. Another element is the ability to operate multiple drones at once. Because Raptor uses a central geospatial source and doesn't require specific cameras on the drones, it is possible for different uncrewed vehicles to work together regardless of hardware or software differences. Maxar's Raptor comes as countermeasures to rising drone warfare are rampant, especially in the Ukraine war. Both sides have developed ways to jam each other's drones. Alternative solutions, like fiber-optic drones and AI-driven drones that can't be jammed, have proven useful, though nothing is without complications. Read the original article on Business Insider
