Image by Marek Studzinski, from Unsplash
NATO Contracts Palantir for AI System to Support Battlefield Operations
Reading time: 2 min
Last Updated: Apr 15, 2025
-
![Kiara Fabbri]()
-
![Sarah Frazier]()
Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Content Manager
NATO has purchased a new artificial intelligence-powered system from Palantir Technologies, a US company known for its strong ties to the Pentagon.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- NATO bought an AI military system from U.S. tech firm Palantir.
- The system uses machine learning and satellite data to identify battlefield targets.
- MSS NATO will be operational within 30 days to aid NATO missions.
The system, called Maven Smart System NATO (MSS NATO), is expected to help NATO respond to global threats by improving intelligence gathering and battlefield awareness, as first reported by the Financial Times (FT).
The decision occurs at a time when European NATO members are becoming increasingly uncertain about the alliance’s future prospects. During his last term, Trump warned that the US might stop protecting NATO members unless they significantly increased their defense spending, as noted by the FT.
NATO says the new AI system will be ready to use within 30 days and was acquired in just six months — “one of the most expeditious in NATO’s history,” as reported by the FT.
MSS NATO is based on Palantir’s existing Maven technology, which has been used by the US military and in Ukraine. It combines satellite images with other battlefield data and uses AI to identify targets and speed up military decisions.
The FT reports that Palantir, chaired by Trump supporter Peter Thiel, has secured over $2.7 billion in US government contracts since 2009. Its stock has risen more than 300% in the last year, driven by demand for its AI systems in both military and commercial sectors.
The exact cost of NATO’s new system has not been disclosed, but it’s expected to be one of Palantir’s biggest defense deals this year.
Latest articles 
Leave a Comment
Cancel