The STORE project, aimed at supporting the European Green Deal’s goal of a carbon-neutral energy world, has been signed by the European Commission (EC) through a grant agreement. Thales, as the core consortium member, is coordinating the project, which includes 20 industrial organizations from 10 EU member countries and Norway.
The participating entities range from French organizations like ONERA and SafranE&D to Estonian companies Falconers, Marduk, and Cybernetica, as well as a large German consortium led by IOSB, University of Cologne, Rheinmetall Electronics, and HENSOLDT Optronics. Other partners involved in the project include HENSOLDT Analytics and AIT from Austria, Leonardo, Flysight, UniMore, and STAM from Italy, Höegh from Norway, TNO from the Netherlands, LIST from Luxembourg, and GMV from Spain.
With the support of EDF, STORE aims to develop an AI-enhanced visual intelligence system and a common, secure image database. The project’s objective is to enhance the tactical combat awareness of automated elite units and shaped optronic data through AI deep learning technologies. Thales Optronics and Missile Electronics vice-president Benoît Plantier expressed their satisfaction with Thales being entrusted with the coordination of this European consortium and the financing of the project by the European Investment Bank through the European Defence Fund.
The project will leverage optics and artificial intelligence expertise to provide troops with a better understanding of the ground situation and immediate threat recognition, ultimately giving them a tactical advantage on the battlefield. STORE will be the first commercially accessible defense imagery database that Europe can scale.
The development of AI dedicated to combat threats will address the increasing complexity of modern warfare. The project aims to enhance soldiers’ performance in the field, provide clearer visuals of battles and combat situations, and improve reaction speed, thereby increasing their chances of survival. Thales recognizes the strategic importance of optronic sensors in the face of evolving threats such as drone swarms, hypersonic missiles, and combat drones. These sensors can be installed on various platforms, including rotary/fixed-wing surveillance/attack platforms, guided missiles, and infantry systems. In addition to the tactical aspects, the project will also address data authority challenges, with a focus on economic efficiency and technological advancement.
This article was originally published on Army Technology.
