Report: MBDA planning AI integration for SPEAR cruise missiles

MBDA has announced advancements in its Orchestrike collaborative weapons artificial intelligence (AI) over the past year, with plans to integrate this AI into its SPEAR family of cruise missiles.

The new AI capabilities, say the firm at Farnborough Air Show, are designed to enhance coordination between the missiles and the pilot controlling them, aiming to improve overall mission performance.

Eric Beranger, CEO of MBDA, highlighted this development, stating, “Being at the forefront of innovation in AI highlights how MBDA has unique technologies and expertise in Europe for delivering the decisive air domain missile capabilities to enable our armed forces to defend our values and freedoms,” as quoted in the company’s announcement.

Orchestrike is claimed to improve the performance of SPEAR missiles through AI-driven coordination and collaboration. According to the company, this will enable the missiles to respond dynamically to threats and work with the pilot, potentially increasing both missile and platform survivability. The company assures that the system will ensure the missiles operate within the boundaries set by human operators, maintaining legal and ethical standards.

MBDA reports that, since its unveiling at the Paris Air Show 2023, the Orchestrike system has rapidly progressed from concept to near-operational capability within twelve months. Key development areas included refining AI algorithms and advancing missile-to-missile datalinks. The company believes this showcases their ability to innovate and bring new capabilities to service quickly.

The Orchestrike system is being demonstrated at the MBDA stand during the Farnborough International Airshow. According to the company, a digital-twin simulator will allow military users to experience a simulated raid where missiles react live and collaboratively to tactical situations, illustrating the AI capabilities.