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The Maven Smart System (MSS), an AI-based targeting tool for military operations was recently utilized in the Scarlet Dragon exercise series by the US Army, demonstrating impressive capabilities and aiding troops in processing and decision-making on the battlefield.
The MSS, a cutting-edge AI-based decision-support tool developed for military applications, has been making significant strides in enhancing battlefield efficiency. Maven was designed to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to process vast amounts of data to help soldiers identify targets, and streamline their decision-making processes. This sophisticated system aims to automate and expedite the traditionally manual and sometimes error-prone procedures involved in target identification and engagement.
One of the most notable demonstrations of Maven’s capabilities occurred during the Scarlet Dragon exercise series. The Scarlet Dragon exercises are a set of military drills focused on integrating advanced technologies and adaptive data-centric warfare. During the Scarlet Dragon series, Maven was utilized by the 18th Airborne Corps in a series of simulations to evaluate its performance in processing battlefield data and facilitating rapid decision-making. This exercise brought together a wide array of software and AI service providers, working in a development-security-operations (DevSecOps) environment to refine Maven’s capabilities.
The results were impressive. Maven achieved performance levels comparable to the time-critical targeting cell used during Operation Iraqi Freedom, viewed as the most efficient in U.S. military history, but with a significantly reduced human footprint. Where previous systems required around 2000 personnel for targeting artillery, Maven enabled the 18th Airborne Corps to accomplish the same with just 20 operators.
The Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) has reported that Maven aims to further enhance its capabilities by making up to 1000 high-quality decisions, such as selecting and dismissing targets, within an hour. This represents a significant leap in efficiency and effectiveness on the battlefield.
Maven’s versatility is one of its standout features. First, it can integrate data from various sources. Second, it can customize access to data according to the individual, resulting in different military ranks receiving only the information that they are cleared for.
Originally launched in 2017 with the goal of applying commercial computer vision technology for object identification in existing footage, Maven has evolved into a formal Pentagon program. Supported by a $480 million contract awarded for prototype development, Maven now plays a critical role in accelerating target recognition and engagement, underscoring the transformative impact of AI and adaptive data-centric warfare on modern military operations.
