At the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition, held from June 17-21 at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, the European consortium MBDA presented the Ground Warden system, a machine learning-based (artificial intelligence) targeting assistance system for the Akeron MP (Moyenne Portée) family of anti-tank guided missiles.
Presentation of the Ground Warden system in operation with the Akeron MP guided missile
As reported, the first version of the Ground Warden system is expected to be ready for integration with the current Akeron MP anti-tank guided missiles and the planned Akeron RCA, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles. It is essentially a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for the commander/operator, providing an image of the local tactical situation and control over the missile’s impact effects.
The system provides real-time image processing based on artificial intelligence algorithms with connected sensors for detection, recognition, and identification. It allows for the assessment of impact effects against stationary and moving targets and the matching of video recordings from sensors and the Akeron MP missile seeker head in real-time based on artificial intelligence.
Such a solution supports the gunner during operations and shortens the process of target detection and identification, as well as data exchange between soldiers and the missile in real-time. This enables the detection of new targets and the designation of an object for destruction even after the missile has been launched. This functionality allows the weapon to be used from behind terrain obstacles (hills, forests) and effectively destroy enemy vehicles even in urban areas.
Ground Warden module developed by MBDA, attached to the Akeron MP missile launcher
The Ground Warden module consists of a “processing unit” that can connect to small unmanned reconnaissance platforms using a radio integrated with the launcher. With the help of AI-supported protocols, the software allows the commander to track detected targets in real-time on their display. Moreover, Ground Warden aggregates data from the missile’s seeker head, enabling the detection and designation of new targets and updating the positions of previously detected objects. The installed algorithms also allow for automatic pre-classification of detected objects.
Zdjęcia: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
Importantly, the new system does not exclude humans from the decision-making loop; it serves as support to speed up and automate certain elements of target detection and classification. The system is designed to allow for effective fire from greater distances and beyond the line of sight.