Palantir to Build Prototypes for Army’s First AI-Defined Targeting Station

March 13, 2024

Palantir Technologies has been awarded a prime agreement for the development and delivery of the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) ground station system, the Army’s next-generation deep-sensing capability enabled by artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). The agreement, valued at $178.4 million, covers the development of 10 TITAN prototypes, including five Advanced and five Basic variants, as well as the integration of new critical technologies and the transition to fielding.

The award was issued by the Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG). TITAN was launched as a ground sensing station modernization program for the Army in 2021 , to address their “number one” gap in large scale combat operations (LSCO): deep sensing. As a key enabler for the Army’s future in Multi Domain Operations (MDO) and Joint All Domain Operations (JADO), TITAN will be the first Intelligence ground station enabled by AI/ML.

Effectively, the Army intends to use TITAN as an intelligent ground station capable of connecting individual units to a network of ground and space-based sensors that stream real-time targeting data about adversaries to soldiers. The latest award gives the prime selection of TITAN development to Palantir over Raytheon, which has also been involved in the prototyping competition from its 2021 launch.

By accessing sensor data from multiple sensors simultaneously across the space, high altitude, aerial, and terrestrial layers, TITAN provides situational awareness and situational understanding across operations. Fusing that data and using advanced analytics to deliver targetable intelligence to lethal and non-lethal networks reduces the sensor-to-shooter gap and enables Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF), aviation and mission command.

TITAN seeks to enhance the automation of target recognition and geolocation from multiple sensors to reduce the sensor-to-shooter (S2S) timelines through target nominations and fuse the common intelligence picture. Palantir is leading the software development of TITAN, while partnering with several traditional defense companies on some of the hardware aspects, including Northrop Grumman, Anduril Industries, L3Harris Technologies, Pacific Defense, SNC, Strategic Technology Consulting, and World Wide Technology.

AI/ML-enabled capabilities and the first Multi-Link/Multi-Band (ML/MB) antenna are considered critical enabling technologies for TITAN, according to the Army’s description of the program. The sensing station’s ability to merge national and commercial space sensor data through “Direct Downlink and network connections means the Army will have a capability to sense deep into strategic areas of operation, and directly support LRPF as needed against near peer threats,” according to the Army’s description of TITAN.

Palantir’s TITAN solution is designed to maximize usability for Soldiers, incorporating tangible feedback and insights from Soldier touch points at every step of the development and configuration process.

“This award demonstrates the Army’s leadership in acquiring and fielding the emerging technologies needed to bolster U.S. defense in this era of software-defined warfare. Building on Palantir’s years of experience bringing AI-enabled capabilities to warfighters, Palantir is now proud to deliver the Army’s first AI-defined vehicle,” said Akash Jain, President, Palantir USG.

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