The U.S. Army has selected Denver-based software developer Palantir to develop TITAN, the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node, as announced by the company. The $175 million contract will facilitate the creation of advanced battlefield technology with artificial intelligence capabilities over the next two years.
Founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel, Palantir draws inspiration from the crystal ball-like object in The Lord of the Rings for its name. The company plans to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to process increasing volumes of battlefield data. Palantir commits to delivering 10 systems, half of which will be advanced, to be integrated into tactical trucks.
In an interview with CNBC, Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar highlighted how this project exemplifies the impact of software on modern warfare. He emphasized the development of an AI-defined vehicle that will enhance deep sensing to facilitate long-range precision fire.
Palantir was chosen by the U.S. Army over defense industry giant RTX, formerly Raytheon, to build the TITAN system. Describing TITAN as a vehicle centered around the soldier, Sankar emphasized how it harnesses AI to revolutionize target recognition and geolocation processes.
The TITAN system aims to automate target recognition from multiple sensors, thus reducing sensor-to-shooter timelines and enhancing the common intelligence picture. Palantir disclosed that TITAN will be capable of detecting threats across various domains, including air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace, utilizing technologies from companies like Northrop Grumman and L3Harris Technologies.
Sankar underscored the significance of the innovation and collaboration behind TITAN, reflecting the Department of the Army’s commitment to enabling new entrants to transform the battlespace. The military’s utilization of artificial intelligence has progressed notably, with advancements like the AI-powered targeting system “The Gospels” by the Israeli Defense Force and Kratos Defense’s AI-powered XQ-58A Valkyrie warplane.