Fighter jet in the sky

Service

  • Data and AI
  • Strategy and Transformation
  • Technology and Engineering

Case study

Estonian Air Force utilizes AI to enhance Air Raid Warning System

The Estonian Air Force is a service branch of the Estonian Defense Forces. Since its re-establishment in 1994, the Estonian Air Force has been built up from scratch by a generation of relatively young airmen who embrace constant change and technological advances. The Estonian Air Force is designed to cooperate with NATO Air Forces and is optimistic about the future, which will bring a steady increase in operational capabilities across all fields of development.

Air force airplaines in the sky

Challenge

Amid some uncertainty in regional geopolitical conditions the Estonian Air Force, inspired by the Ukraine counterparts, has started its own programs for developing AI-assisted solutions involving Estonia-based IT companies to develop the solutions. One of the recently revealed features of this program is implementing an AI-powered air threat identification system within the “Be Ready” mobile application – an Estonian Defense League’s application for increasing general population’s resilience by providing instructions for various crisis management situations etc.

The recently developed AI assisted air threat detection solution integrated into this app enhances the national Air Raid Warning system by incorporating inputs from mobile phones of the participating citizens. The primary objective of this AI solution is to enhance the Estonian Air Force’s air threat detection capabilities, specifically on lower altitudes by incorporating citizen generated mobile phone-based reporting. This function in the app allows users to report air threats or suspicious air activities using their mobile phones, enabling the Air Force to receive actionable intelligence on air activities quickly and efficiently.

Solution

Results

Usability and user experience

Users can quickly open the app, point their phones at suspicious objects in the air and take a photo, submit their report, which includes the photo and additional information, through the AI server to the Air Force with a single tap. The app provides feedback to users, acknowledging the receipt of their report and thanking them for their valuable contribution.

Operational impact and security

The AI-enhanced “Be Ready” app significantly bolsters National security by enabling citizens to report any suspicious air activity in their vicinity. In emergency situations, the Air Force benefits from having additional “eyes” across the country, supported by AI that interprets objects type, locations, and other crucial information.

Launch and implementation

The AI solution for the app was launched during Estonia’s Defense Forces Spring Storm exercise on May 10, 2024. This military exercise served as a large-scale testbed for the implementation phase, where the app and its integrated AI features were stress-tested and thoroughly evaluated for effectiveness.

Population engagement

By involving the community, the Estonian Air Force enhances its air surveillance capabilities, promotes a sense of shared responsibility and vigilance among the populace. Actively engaged civilians add an extra layer to the security carpet and can become a crucial source of information in case of (however unlikely) conflict escalation.

Possible next steps

The AI-powered aircraft identification feature

– Estonian Air Force

Exceptionally smooth cooperation with Nortal engineers ensured a rapid Nation-wide launch of the well-functioning prototype. Having eyes on the ground as well as in the air is a standard in a state-on-state military confrontation but poses a threat of soldiers becoming overwhelmed by inflow of information. As we incorporate AI for information processing we will gain more time for the commander’s decision making and that already is a tangible advantage.

Conclusion

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