Patria will lead a European consortium in developing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven software through the AI-WASP (Warfare Adaptive Swarm Platform) project, designed for use on manned and unmanned systems.
The initiative is set to run for nearly four years, during which the consortium will build two prototype versions that will be integrated into small and medium uncrewed aerial vehicles, ground vehicles, or fixed stations.
The systems will combine secure communication, radio frequency sensing, and electronic warfare in a scalable payload, operating across various environments, including arctic conditions.
The AI-WASP program aims to strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
“Across all domains, our militaries need relevant situational awareness, communications systems that can perform ad hoc networking in dynamically evolving tactical situations and ability to conduct electronic protection and attack,” stated Patria.
In total, 16 defense firms are involved in the project. Participating nations include Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Italy, and Greece.
France, Germany, Spain, and Lithuania are also key partners.
The European Commission has allocated 45 million euros ($50 million) in funding for AI-WASP.
Participating countries will provide further national support, raising the total budget to 52 million euros ($57 million).
European Defence Fund
European countries and their defense industries are strengthening collaboration to boost security, drive innovation, and scale production.
Earlier this month, the European Commission announced a 910-million-euro ($1.02 billion) investment through the 2024 European Defence Fund and selected the projects that secured the funding after submitting proposals.
Among the selected entities, over 369 million euros ($415 million) will fund 39 research projects, while 539 million euros ($606 million) has been allocated for 23 development initiatives.
