Boeing To Integrate AI In Its Defense & Space Programs Through New Partnership With Palantir

Boeing will work with Denver-based technology company Palantir to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) systems and software across Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) programs. The new partnership was established on September 23 at the annual Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

Palantir’s solutions will help Boeing further its innovation and enhance capabilities in defense and security. The manufacturer is already involved in various technology advancement initiatives across many sub-sectors, including autonomous vehicles, urban air mobility, and unmanned systems, among others.

Driving Innovation In Defense Programs

Boeing Defense, Space & Security will leverage Palantir’s Foundry platform, which uses AI to unify complex and disparate systems under a streamlined and intuitive user interface. Palantir Foundry brings together semantic, kinetic, and dynamic elements of a business, allowing teams to harmonize and automate decision-making in complex settings.

The collaboration will help standardize data analytics and insights across Boeing’s geographically dispersed family of defense factories. The manufacturer will also look to Palantir to provide AI expertise and capabilities on several undisclosed classified and proprietary efforts focused on supporting the most sensitive missions run by its customers. Boeing Defense, Space & Security CEO Steve Parker said:

“Palantir is on the cutting edge when it comes to leveraging Artificial Intelligence to accelerate getting critical products, services and capabilities in the hands of military operators. This collaboration is a natural fit that brings together two great companies with a common mission: supporting uniformed personnel in protecting freedom around the world.”

Enhancing Boeing Defense Capabilities

BDS operates over a dozen major production lines manufacturing military aircraft, helicopters, satellites, spacecraft, missiles, and weapons. Boeing Defense produces various military equipment used by defense forces worldwide, including the AH-64 Apache helicopter, C-17 Globemaster, F/A-18 Super Hornet, KC-46 Pegasus Tanker, and the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.

Boeing Defense might potentially get a new customer for the P-8, as Denmark is considering a multi-billion-dollar purchase to boost its maritime patrol capabilities in the Arctic. Meanwhile, Singapore recently confirmed that it has selected the P-8A Poseidon to replace its aging Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft. The defense portfolio also includes air and missile defense and strategic deterrence systems.

The partnership between BDS and Palantir will look to deliver dominant capabilities to the warfighter to deter conflict and enhance defense capabilities. The collaboration is expected to enhance production and innovation, allowing the two companies to bring cutting-edge technology to current and next-generation defense programs. “America’s enemies aren’t slowing down, and neither can we,” said Palantir’s Head of Defense, Mike Gallagher.

Investing In Innovation And New Technology

Boeing is already a leader in aerospace technology and continues to invest in furthering innovation and incorporating AI into its operations. The manufacturer reportedly invests over $3 billion annually in research and development, helping it remain a leader in innovation that will transform the aerospace and defense sectors. Among its investments are autonomous vehicles, with a primary interest in improving safety.

Boeing is working on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations and their safe introduction into the airspace. The manufacturer is also driving innovation by developing technology in key areas such as Smart factory, human-robotics collaboration and technology-enabled quality systems to enable technological breakthroughs across its production line.

In 2022, the company invested $50 million in AEI HorizonX. The funding was strategic to AEI HorizonX’s second venture fund, which supports promising start-ups in future mobility, space, and various other initiatives. Boeing launched HorizonX in 2017, a dedicated venture division with the mandate of discovering trends and opportunities in aerospace technology.

Later in 2017, the manufacturer also established NeXt, a division dedicated to advancing research, development, and investments in urban air mobility and other transportation challenges. As reported by Emerj, Boeing integrates generative AI to manage spending by automating sourcing, analyzing spend patterns, and facilitating competitive bidding to reduce costs and improve decision-making. It also leverages machine learning and data integration to identify potential safety issues and hazards before they occur.