News
Critical Software to Lead AI Integration in BEAST Consortium Under EDF 2024
Critical Software joins European initiative to develop modular short-range missile systems, contributing advanced AI deployment capabilities.
The BEAST project enhances EU defence through collaborative missile technology innovation.
Critical Software is pleased to announce its participation in the BEAST (Boosting European Advanced Missile System Technologies) consortium, a strategic project funded under the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2024. This initiative forms part of the European Union’s broader effort to strengthen defence capabilities and foster technological innovation across Member States.
The BEAST consortium brings together leading European defence partners - including Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG, Northrop Grumman Italia S.P.A., and SAAB Dynamics AB - to design and develop a modular Future Short-Range Missile (FSRM) system. The project addresses evolving operational needs by enabling multi-role missile capabilities for air-to-air, ground-based air defence, and air-to-ground missions.
As part of the consortium, we will contribute by designing a Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) platform to automate the deployment of AI models within the missile system’s core software. This will support the development of more responsive, adaptable, and efficient defence technologies, ensuring readiness and resilience across the EU Member States and the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). This platform will streamline workflows, reduce human error, and accelerate the development and updating of AI-enabled components.
The BEAST project is one of several initiatives supported by the €910 million EDF 2024 programme, which prioritises joint development in areas such as force mobility, drone defence, and advanced sensing technologies.