Case study

Estonian Air Force utilizes AI to enhance Air Raid Warning System

The Estonian Air Force is a service branch of the Estonian Defence 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.

Service

Data and AI Strategy and Transformation Technology and Engineering

Modern air defence systems rely heavily on radar and other specialized sensors, but these technologies are not able to detect every threat, particularly at low altitudes where terrain, buildings, and the curvature of the Earth can create blind spots.

At the same time, the rapid spread of drones and other small aerial systems has introduced new challenges for national air defence, as many of these platforms fly low, slow, and are difficult to track using traditional systems alone.

To help close these gaps, countries are increasingly exploring complementary detection approaches that combine military capabilities with distributed sensing from the public. With smartphones widely used across society, citizen-generated observations can serve as a cost-effective additional layer of situational awareness, helping authorities detect and track suspicious air activity more quickly and across a wider area.

A citizen-powered layer for air defence

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 features of this program is implementing an AI-powered air threat identification system within the “Be Ready” mobile application – an Estonian Defence League’s application for increasing general population’s resilience by providing instructions for various crisis management situations etc.

The AI assisted air threat detection solution integrated into this app enhances the national Air Raid Warning system by incorporating inputs from mobile phones of participating citizens into the broader air surveillance picture. 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.

By detecting suspicious air activity faster, the system can also help provide earlier warnings to civilians in affected areas, potentially giving people several additional minutes to seek shelter.

From citizen reports to operational intelligence

The AI-powered aircraft identification feature integrated into the app combines mobile phone technology with AI capabilities. Mobile application “Be Ready” enabled citizens quickly and easily capture photos of suspicious activities in the airspace and forward them to a server for further analysis by AI, followed by display in an Air Forces Air Operations Center. The debut of this capability was successfully tested during the Estonian largest annual joint military exercise – Spring Storm 2024.

The input is then processed, merging information from multiple users across a wider geographical area to compile a concise real-time report for the Air Force. This automated assessment includes among others the location of the report and the current and projected location of the reported object. In addition to real-time data and future projection, historical data can also be viewed for aiding in military decision-making.

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 Defence 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.

Building on the current capability

The AI-powered aircraft identification feature integrated into the "Be Ready" application also opens the door for further development over time. Possible next steps include:

  • Integrating additional sensors. Bringing more data sources into the system could help maintain and strengthen low-altitude air surveillance, especially in situations where military radars are on the move or temporarily unavailable.
  • Creating tailored views for different command levels. By combining data from multiple sensors and user reports, the system could support an even more comprehensive Combined Operating Picture for decision-makers.
  • Adding sound and image recognition. These capabilities could help automatically identify aircraft or drones based on audio and visual signals, improving detection even at night or in poor weather conditions.

– 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.

Strengthening national resilience through innovation

The AI-powered air threat identification solution is a demonstration of the Estonia’s receptiveness to innovation. By creating a platform for citizen engagement and utilizing AI to process and relay information, the Estonian Air Force has significantly strengthened its ability to monitor and respond to threats in our airspace.

This initiative promptly highlights the potential of AI-driven solutions in enhancing security and promoting community involvement in the national defence framework. The Estonian Defence Forces goal is to enhance the overall resilience of Estonia’s residents and enable the Air Force to create a more comprehensive air picture by integrating civilian reporting with traditional radar and other air surveillance systems. Merging these into one seamless feed.

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