NATO awards Planet Labs major contract for advanced monitoring and early warning capabilities

Under this partnership, Planet will deliver a specialised platform solution powered by its PlanetScope Broad Area Monitoring technology, integrated with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) analytics. This system will support persistent space-based surveillance, early indicators and warnings, and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

“The current geopolitical landscape underscores the critical need for rapid, comprehensive, and broad area intelligence expertise,” said Will Marshall, Co-founder and CEO of Planet. “Our growth with NATO showcases Planet’s unparalleled ability to provide the necessary scale and frequency of data collection that’s critical for daily, global intelligence.”

Planet’s AI-powered solution, developed in collaboration with partners, represents a shift from reactive surveillance to proactive anomaly detection across broad regions. This enhancement significantly boosts NATO’s Indications & Warning (I&W) capabilities and strategic foresight.

Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, stated: “Our partnership with Planet, harnessing their Broad Area Monitoring technology combined with AI and ML analytics, is a significant stride for NATO. It grants us persistent space-based surveillance, bolstering our enhanced early Indicators and Warnings and strengthening our Maritime Domain Awareness.”

The integration of Planet’s satellite data and insights, particularly through the Smart Indications and Warning, Broad Area Detection (SINBAD) project, is seen as essential for addressing complex security challenges swiftly. “This initiative reinforces NATO’s commitment to maintaining our technological edge, ensuring strategic advantage and cost-effectiveness, and directly enhancing deterrence, strengthening collective defence, and empowering our warfighters with real-time situational awareness,” Admiral Vandier added.