news
July 9, 2026
lisa daigle
Deputy editor
military embedded systems
London. Defense partnership between Thales, RAF Digital and NAD [National Armaments Director Group] reports that it has achieved the first operational deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) from Thales UK’s cortAIx factory.
Thales said AI and machine learning (ML) capabilities are integrated into the Multi-Domain Mission Support System (MD MSS), which has been used in various versions in the UK since 1986 and entered service with the UK Ministry of Defense as a mission data system for maritime patrol aircraft.
The current contract maintains and develops systems used on a wide range of platforms including the F-35B Lightning II, Typhoon, Poseidon, Voyager and Chinook. MD MSS is also installed on Royal Navy warships HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales in support of carrier strike group operations.
The Thales announcement describes MD MSS as a system that processes, transmits and manipulates complex mission data from multiple sources and locations, rapidly delivering mission-critical information to air and ground crews, and maximizing situational awareness and communications interoperability.
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