NEODE Systems

Revolutionizing Defense with Agile AI and Digital Solutions

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare, where information superiority and rapid decision-making are paramount, a new player has emerged to redefine how defense systems operate. NEODE Systems, a startup launched by the European missile giant MBDA, is not just another tech company; it is a dedicated entity focused on accelerating the integration of advanced digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) into complex weapon systems. Born from a strategic vision to enhance the agility and responsiveness of defense capabilities, NEODE Systems is charting a new course for innovation in a traditionally slow-moving sector.

The Birth of Agility: MBDA’s Vision for a Dynamic Future

The story of NEODE Systems is rooted in MBDA’s commitment to maintaining a technological edge and responding swiftly to the ever-changing operational requirements of armed forces worldwide. Recognizing the transformative power of AI and digital innovation, MBDA took a decisive step in January 2024 by establishing NEODE Systems as a dedicated startup. This strategic move was designed to foster an agile, short-cycle development model, a stark contrast to the often protracted timelines associated with traditional defense procurement.

The rationale behind creating a spin-off was clear: to allow for rapid prototyping, continuous user feedback, and quicker field deployment of cutting-edge solutions. This approach enables NEODE Systems to transition advanced concepts into operational products at an unprecedented pace, ensuring that armed forces are equipped with the most up-to-date capabilities to face emerging threats on the battlefield. As Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, stated, “NEODE Systems demonstrates our agility and our ability to apply artificial intelligence to optimize battlefield performance.”

Ground Warden: A Glimpse into NEODE’s AI-Powered Solutions

NEODE Systems’ flagship product, “Ground Warden,” exemplifies its innovative approach. This AI-powered decision-making tool is designed to support faster, more informed targeting decisions by fusing real-time data and applying machine learning algorithms specifically tailored for complex operational environments. Ground Warden represents a significant leap forward in enhancing the capabilities of existing weapon systems, particularly for engagements beyond the line of sight (BLOS).

The efficacy of Ground Warden was swiftly recognized. Less than 18 months after its inception, in June 2025, NEODE Systems secured its first significant contract from France’s Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) on behalf of the French Army. This landmark agreement focuses on demonstrating enhanced BLOS targeting capabilities for the highly effective MBDA Akeron MP missile, an anti-tank guided missile already in service with French and allied forces. A series of live-fire demonstrations are scheduled before the end of 2025, with the ambitious goal of validating the integration of Ground Warden and moving towards a licensing phase.

This contract is a pivotal moment for NEODE Systems. It validates their innovative development model, which, according to Laurent Duport, CEO of NEODE Systems, “combines agile, short-cycle development involving the end customer at each stage, and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence.” The software licensing model adopted by NEODE Systems is also a key differentiator, enabling continuous upgrades and improvements to weapon systems already deployed in the field, thereby making the entire defense ecosystem more adaptive.

Technological Pillars: AI, Digital Transformation, and Agile Development

NEODE Systems’ strength lies in its comprehensive understanding and application of several critical technological pillars:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): At its core, NEODE Systems leverages AI to process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and provide predictive insights that enhance situational awareness and decision-making for operators. This includes machine learning algorithms for target identification, threat assessment, and optimizing weapon system performance in dynamic combat scenarios. The focus is on “trusted AI,” ensuring reliability and transparency in critical defense applications.
Advanced Digital Technologies: Beyond AI, NEODE Systems is deeply involved in integrating a range of digital technologies. This encompasses sophisticated data fusion techniques to combine information from multiple sensors, advanced visualization tools to present complex data intuitively to operators, and robust, secure digital architectures that can support real-time operations in challenging environments.
Agile and Short-Cycle Development: This is perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of NEODE Systems’ operations within the defense sector. By adopting agile methodologies – characterized by iterative development, frequent testing, and continuous feedback from end-users – NEODE significantly reduces the time from concept to deployment. This allows for rapid adaptation to new threats and requirements, providing armed forces with a much-needed speed advantage in modern conflicts.
Open System Architectures and Modularity: NEODE Systems’ solutions are designed with open architectures and modularity in mind. This facilitates seamless integration with existing weapon systems and platforms, promotes interoperability, and allows for flexible upgrades and modifications. This approach is vital for ensuring long-term adaptability and cost-effectiveness for defense customers.

Impact on the Battlefield: Enhanced Capabilities and Operational Advantage

The direct impact of NEODE Systems’ work on the battlefield is profound. By integrating AI and advanced digital capabilities, they are empowering soldiers with:

Enhanced Situational Awareness: Ground Warden, for instance, provides operators with a more comprehensive and real-time understanding of their operational environment, enabling them to make more informed decisions rapidly.
Accelerated Decision-Making Cycle: By automating data analysis and providing predictive insights, AI tools significantly reduce the cognitive load on operators, allowing them to act faster and more decisively. This can be a critical advantage in high-stress combat situations.
Improved Targeting and Precision: AI-driven systems can analyze target characteristics and environmental factors with greater precision, leading to more accurate engagements and reduced collateral damage.
Increased Agility and Adaptability: The ability to rapidly upgrade and adapt existing weapon systems through software licenses ensures that forces can swiftly counter evolving threats and adapt to new doctrines without requiring complete hardware overhauls. This provides a crucial operational advantage in dynamic conflict zones.
Reduced Training Burden (Potentially): While advanced, intuitive interfaces and AI assistance could potentially streamline some aspects of operator training, allowing for quicker proficiency in complex systems.

Leadership and Vision: Steering the Future of Defense AI

At the helm of NEODE Systems is Laurent Duport, CEO, who has been instrumental in shaping the company’s innovative development and business models. His emphasis on combining disruptive technologies like AI with responsive development cycles and direct user feedback has been a cornerstone of NEODE’s early success. The strategic backing of MBDA, led by CEO Eric Béranger, further solidifies NEODE Systems’ position as a key player in the defense technology landscape. This synergy between a nimble startup and a global defense prime contractor allows NEODE to leverage MBDA’s extensive resources, market access, and deep understanding of military requirements while maintaining its agile and innovative spirit.

Future Horizons: Beyond the Akeron MP

While the initial focus on enhancing the Akeron MP missile with Ground Warden is a critical first step, NEODE Systems’ ambitions extend far beyond this single application. The underlying technologies and development model are highly transferable to a wide array of defense systems across land, sea, and air domains.

Future applications could include:

Autonomous Systems: Developing AI for enhanced autonomy in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and naval vessels, allowing them to perform complex missions with greater independence and effectiveness.
Integrated Air and Missile Defense: Utilizing AI for advanced threat detection, tracking, and interception in integrated air and missile defense systems, improving response times and success rates against sophisticated threats like hypersonic missiles.
Logistics and Maintenance Optimization: Applying AI to optimize military logistics chains, predict equipment failures, and streamline maintenance operations, ensuring higher readiness rates and cost efficiency.
Cybersecurity for Weapon Systems: Developing AI-powered solutions to enhance the cybersecurity of networked weapon systems, protecting them from cyberattacks and ensuring operational integrity.
Soldier Modernization: Creating intelligent tools and interfaces for individual soldiers, enhancing their situational awareness, communication, and decision-making capabilities in complex battlefield environments.

A Catalyst for Change in the Defense Industry

NEODE Systems is more than just a company; it is a catalyst for change within the defense industry. Its commitment to agile development, direct customer involvement, and the rapid deployment of AI-powered solutions is setting a new standard for how military capabilities are developed and enhanced. By demonstrating tangible results through projects like Ground Warden, NEODE Systems is building trust and proving the immense value of its innovative approach.

The company’s story is a testament to the fact that even in a sector known for its long development cycles and stringent requirements, agility and cutting-edge technology can deliver transformative results. As the global security landscape continues to evolve, companies like NEODE Systems, with their focus on facts, realities, and a natural, user-centric approach to innovation, will be vital in ensuring that armed forces worldwide remain at the forefront of defense capabilities. Their trajectory suggests a future where AI and digital solutions are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of military operations, providing a decisive advantage on the battlefields of tomorrow.