Airbus, ST Engineering to explore 3D radar capabilities

Airbus Defence and Space and ST Engineering have signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to jointly explore and develop advanced satellite capabilities and digital solutions. The agreements establish a framework for cooperation in next-generation Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capabilities and Artificial Intelligence (AI)–enabled geospatial analytics to meet evolving market and customer needs.   “These MoUs reflect our shared ambition to push the boundaries of geospatial intelligence,” said Zakir Hamid, Head of Region for Asia-Pacific, Airbus Defence and Space. “By combining Airbus’ space and geospatial expertise with ST Engineering’s strong digital and satellite systems capabilities, we are well positioned to deliver next-generation solutions for customers in Asia-Pacific, Europe and beyond.” ST Engineering is a global technology, defence and engineering group with a diverse portfolio of businesses including aerospace, smart city, defence and public security segments. “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space, leveraging our capabilities in the design and manufacture of Earth observation satellites and other imagery solutions. In combination with our expertise in AI and digital tech, we are confident of creating innovative Space solutions and services together with Airbus,” said Low Jin Phang, Chief Operating Officer for Defence & Public Security, and President for Digital Systems, ST Engineering. This MoU formalises the collaboration to explore a joint partnership between Airbus and ST Engineering in developing a new satellite imaging concept known as multi-static Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), with ST Engineering to develop the companion satellites to operate alongside the  PAZ-2 satellite manufactured by Airbus and the commercialisation of this service. This “3D SAR” approach involves one satellite transmitting radar signals and three others receiving them from different angles. By combining these perspectives, the system can generate richer, more detailed and more reliable 3D models of the Earth’s surface. This multi-satellite approach ensures high-accuracy imaging regardless of darkness, weather, or ground interference. These reliable, real-time insights will significantly enhance missions in defence, border surveillance, and disaster response, where timely and dependable information is critical. The second MoU will see Airbus and ST Engineering develop a Generative AI system for advanced satellite imagery analysis. By applying advanced AI techniques to geospatial data, the collaboration will enhance object detection, change monitoring, and automated reporting, providing faster and more accurate insights for decision-makers. To further support innovation and scaling, the collaboration will also assess opportunities to tap into Singapore’s local expertise to accelerate the development and deployment of satellite and AI technologies. These new MoUs build on a long-standing history of cooperation between Airbus and ST Engineering. ST Engineering Geo-Insights has been a long-term reseller of Airbus satellite imagery services, providing customers in the region with access to high-quality Earth observation data. By working closely together, Airbus and ST Engineering aim to help customers respond more effectively to security challenges, natural disasters and everyday operational needs, delivering practical solutions with real-world impact. Airbus extends research and innovation footprint in Singapore Airbus is reinforcing its commitment to the Singapore research and innovation ecosystem, signing several collaboration agreements on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow. “This Airshow represents a pivotal moment for the Airbus Tech Hub in Singapore to extend its strategic positioning,” said Rémi Maillard Executive Vice-President Engineering for the Commercial Aircraft business and Head of Technology Airbus. “Our presence here demonstrates a spirit of deep collaboration with our Singaporean partners.” One of the agreements included an MOU with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and CFM to develop a comprehensive readiness framework to integrate new propulsion technologies in operational environments using the Singapore aviation ecosystem as a testbed. This is a pioneering step both in terms of technological content and demonstration methods. Meanwhile, at the inaugural Space Summit, Airbus announced that it will be part of a consortium comprising ST Engineering iDirect, Keysight Technologies, and MediaTek. The consortium will explore the development of 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology in Singapore. The establishment of this consortium builds on an MoU between Airbus and the Office for Space Technology & Industry Singapore (OSTIn) signed last year. Airbus and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) also inked their first Master Research Agreement to advance key areas of aircraft technical operations. This collaboration will streamline how next generation aircraft are maintained and managed using leading technologies developed in Singapore. Through the company’s Tech Hub in Singapore, Airbus is expanding its local partnerships, solidifying Singapore’s position as a centre for aerospace R&D. Following the success of its 2024 debut, Airbus and the Economic Development Board (EDB) have also announced a deepening of the partnership and next phase support for the Airbus Tech Hub, ensuring a long-term pipeline for local innovation as the sector continues to evolve and grow. The Asia-Pacific region houses three of four Airbus’ global network of Tech Hubs, with centres in Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and the Netherlands, which are designed to foster collaboration among industry leaders, academia, government agencies, and start-ups to push boundaries of aerospace technology. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]