Skunk Works, Arquimea to Enhance ISR Anomaly Detection

Our Bureau - : Apr 15, 2025 - : 8:36 pm

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, the advanced aerospace development division of the global technology company, has collaborated with Arquimea to demonstrate a new anomaly detection capability for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms scanning mission areas. This innovative capability reduces the...

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This innovative capability reduces the number of sensor scans required to detect unusual patterns or deviations from expected behaviour in data, systems, or processes, specifically in the electro-optical and infrared spectra. By improving the detection of physical feature changes, the technology enhances the ability to predict image characteristics that may not be visible from a single viewpoint.

Anomaly detection in the electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) spectra supports a wide range of applications, including security, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and safety. It also plays a key role in detecting hidden threats, wildfires, pollution, and equipment failures. This technology bolsters situational awareness, provides early warnings, and enables better decision-making.

Emanuele Serafini, Lockheed Martin's Vice President for Western Europe, said, “As a global technology leader, Lockheed Martin is working with Spanish industry to drive innovation, strengthen deterrence, and foster a dynamic ecosystem for dual-use technologies. Our collaboration with Arquimea is central to this effort, advancing artificial intelligence and machine learning, and supporting Spain’s involvement in the development of cutting-edge technologies.”

In a series of demonstrations, the Skunk Works and Arquimea team simulated a small uncrewed air system (UAS) flying through a jungle environment. The system identified changes in physical features by referencing episodic memories trained into neural networks, even when the UAS had not previously observed the area from a given angle. These stored memories were compared to new observations, and changes were analysed using machine learning to detect significant irregularities.

This approach enables ISR platforms to go beyond image comparison, helping AI systems handle previously unseen situations and enhancing the reliability of autonomous systems. It is also applicable to autonomous flight and search algorithms.

Building on this progress, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and Arquimea will continue their collaboration in 2025, exploring how these techniques can improve sensor capabilities and decision-making for autonomous systems.

OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Skunk Works, commented, “Skunk Works is committed to enabling crewed-uncrewed teaming to optimise operational flexibility, reduce data-to-decision timelines, and enhance pilot safety. We remain focused on investing in collaborative technologies to keep our customers ahead of emerging threats.”

Lockheed-martin-skunk-works / Arquimea /

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