A new technology combining stratospheric balloon platforms with artificial intelligence data fusion is now able to analyse radar and communication signals from land, air, and naval assets in real‑time from very high altitudes—thereby reshaping the rules of electronic warfare. This innovative electromagnetic intelligence (ELINT) solution, to be developed through a partnership between Safran AI and Hemeria, aims to provide armed forces with absolute information superiority, particularly in contested operational theatres.
Under the agreement, advanced sensors integrated onto stratospheric balloon platforms manufactured by Hemeria will be capable of detecting radar and communication emissions without being hindered by terrain obstacles. Moreover, these sensors will be able to pick up signals across a wide and uninterrupted line of sight.
Real‑Time Data Analysis with Artificial Intelligence
At the heart of the project lies the processing of collected electromagnetic data through AI models developed by Safran AI, drawing on nearly a decade of experience. Data from multiple sensors and different sources will be automatically fused and instantly analysed by artificial intelligence. This algorithm‑driven transformation in modern warfare doctrine once again raises the question: Is AI Writing the New Rules of Warfare? The partnership, formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during the recent Eurosatory exhibition in France, will deliver the highest level of operational response capability to decision‑makers in the fields of intelligence gathering and electronic warfare. This move by the two French companies aligns closely with strategic investments by global defence giants, such as the Naval Group & Thales AI Alliance, which are shaping the future of autonomous systems.
“A Unique Combination of Very High Altitude and Artificial Intelligence”
Commenting on the collaboration, Nicolas Multan, President of HEMERIA, said: “Combining our balloon platform with Safran AI’s artificial intelligence technology offers users a unique combination of very high altitude and AI. We needed a partner capable of translating operational needs into concrete solutions—Safran AI meets that expectation.”
François Bourrier‑Soifer, Deputy Managing Director of Safran AI, emphasised that very high altitude has now become a new arena of competition in defence strategies, stating: “Very high altitude has become a real ‘grey zone’ where the battle for information superiority is fought. By combining HEMERIA’s stratospheric platforms’ long‑endurance capability with our AI, automated analysis, and multi‑source data fusion technologies, we are helping armed forces understand their operational environment faster and more accurately.”
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Source: C4Defence-Safran
