DSTA-Thales AI Innovation Lab: Pioneering Next-Generation Defences Against Drone Threats

DSTA-Thales AI Innovation Lab: Pioneering Next-Generation Defences Against Drone Threats

(IN BRIEF) DSTA and Thales have established a new joint laboratory to create AI-enabled technologies designed to enhance the combat systems of the Singapore Armed Forces. Building on a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding, the collaboration is initially focused on countering drone threats through the development of advanced C-UAS and sensing applications. At the 2025 Singapore Defence Technology Summit, the joint team showcased machine-learning modules that improve radar performance by reducing false alarms in drone detection, thereby providing faster and more accurate situational awareness. This innovative approach leverages a mix of physics-, knowledge-, and data-based AI, merging DSTA’s expertise in drone ecosystems with Thales’ technical prowess. Senior executives from both organizations emphasized the strategic significance of the project, which reinforces their long-term commitment to delivering agile, secure, and future-ready defence solutions. The joint lab exemplifies the deepening collaboration aimed at addressing emerging and asymmetric threats to national security.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 4-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Thales have joined forces to launch a new joint laboratory dedicated to the development of AI-enhanced technologies aimed at bolstering the combat systems used by the Singapore Armed Forces. This strategic collaboration, an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022 to expand cooperation in smart technology development and system support, is initially focused on countering emerging drone threats through advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) and enhanced sensing applications.

At the 2025 Singapore Defence Technology Summit (Tech Summit), teams from both DSTA and Thales unveiled their latest joint project—an AI-powered system designed to minimize false alarms in drone detection by improving radar sensor performance. Over the past five months, engineers from both organizations have co-developed machine-learning software modules that enhance situational awareness, enabling operators to detect and classify drones with greater speed and accuracy. This achievement represents a significant leap in employing a blend of physics-, knowledge-, and data-driven AI, combining DSTA’s extensive expertise in the drone ecosystem with Thales’ deep technical capabilities.

This new joint laboratory marks a critical advancement in the evolving landscape of defence technology. By integrating cutting-edge AI and advanced sensor systems, DSTA and Thales are proactively addressing the challenges posed by emerging and asymmetric threats. “The DSTA-Thales Joint Lab is a strategic milestone in our pursuit of next-generation defence capabilities. Through agile innovation and global collaboration, we are ensuring that our combat systems remain resilient, adaptive, and future-ready,” stated Mr Roy Chan, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) at DSTA.

Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Thales International, added, “Our commitment to developing AI for critical defence systems is reinforced by our long-standing partnership with our customers. This lab is a testament to our ability to deliver robust solutions that meet the high standards of safety, reliability, and security required by armed forces worldwide. The swift progress of this collaboration underlines our joint dedication to equipping the Singapore Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence with superior technologies.”

Thales, known for its expertise in radar systems—with a Radar Centre of Excellence in Singapore and decades of service to the SAF—continues to leverage its deep technological mastery to support both civil and defence sectors. This joint effort not only strengthens Singapore’s defence capabilities but also underscores the enduring partnership between DSTA and Thales.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

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SOURCE: Thales