Arquimea and Lockheed Martin develop advanced AI surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems

– This technology will strengthen security in the defense and civil fields by detecting hidden threats and monitoring risks and disasters.

Madrid, April 14, 2025. Arquimea and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, have successfully completed the development of an enhanced anomaly detection capability for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms such as drones and other systems piloted by artificial intelligence agents, which substantially improves the scanning of mission areas.

This innovative technology significantly reduces the number of scans a sensor must perform to identify unusual patterns or deviations from expected behavior in data, systems or processes-specifically in the electro-optical and infrared spectra-dramatically improving the detection of changes in physical characteristics, which simplifies and speeds up decision making in strategic environments.

This capability has already been tested on board an unmanned aerial system (UAS) flying over a jungle environment. Thanks to its advanced technology, the system was able to identify changes in the physical characteristics of the terrain from episodic memories trained on neural networks. By comparing these observations with the stored ‘memories’, the system was able to detect critical irregularities and generate unique views of the environment using machine learning algorithms, allowing the mission to be readapted.

This advance has proven its value even for predicting image features that may not be visible from a single viewpoint. It makes it possible to go beyond simple image comparison and allows artificial intelligence platforms to act in situations for which they have not been specifically trained. It will serve to give AI greater autonomy to operate in unfamiliar environments and generate early warnings, especially in the fields of defense, environmental monitoring, autonomous flight, and the detection of threats such as forest fires, ecological disasters and equipment failure.

Collaboration with Spanish industry

“As a global technology leader, Lockheed Martin collaborates with Spanish industry to drive innovation and transformation, strengthen deterrence and foster a dynamic ecosystem of dual-use technologies. Our work with Arquimea is part of a key research and development initiative driving advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which supports Spain’s participation in the development of these cutting-edge technologies,” explains Emanuele Serafini, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for Western Europe.

Building on these advances, in 2025 Skunk Works® and Arquimea will continue to explore how these neural network technologies can enhance other sensors embarked on IRS platforms, further improving the decision making of autonomous systems.

“Skunk Works is committed to the development of manned and unmanned equipment to optimize operational flexibility, shorten time to data for decision making and improve pilot safety. We will continue to collaborate together to anticipate emerging threats for our customers,” says OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Skunk Works.

About Arquimea

ARQUIMEA is a global technology company driven by innovation. We develop cutting-edge solutions and products in Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Robotics and Biotechnology for high-demand industries such as Aerospace and Defense and Security. Our research and development capabilities are supported by engineering operations in Pasadena, California, and Spain.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company that fosters innovation and advances scientific discovery. Our mission solutions across all defense domains and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformational technologies to ensure that those we serve are always ready.