Cohere signs pact with Saab for AI on surveillance aircraft

Large language model firm Cohere has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with aerospace and defence firm Saab to collaborate on artificial intelligence for the GlobalEye aircraft program.

The agreement establishes a framework for AI technology development to support the airborne early warning and control platform. It could also support existing and future GlobalEye operators on an international level, the statement clarifies.

GlobalEye is one of Saab's flagship surveillance aircraft systems, combining airborne early warning and control functions with broader surveillance capabilities. 

Planned work includes data-driven mission support, maintenance tools and information processing designed for on-premises use in secure aerospace environments. The companies have also identified initial pilot projects to test potential areas for cooperation based on current program needs.

The deal also gives Cohere a route into a highly regulated defence and aerospace environment, where AI tools must be adapted to security, reliability and operational constraints. For Saab, the work is intended to feed into its wider product portfolio beyond the immediate Canadian opportunity.

On-premises implementation of AI in defence is notable in this case as defence customers often require sensitive data to remain within sovereign or restricted networks.

Toronto-founded Cohere focuses on AI models and products for business and public sector use, with an emphasis on security and data control. Its involvement gives Saab access to a Canadian AI partner at a time when countries are seeking stronger domestic industrial participation in defence procurement.

This news comes after Cohere's January announcement of partnerships with German manufacturer ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and South Korean firm Hanwha Ocean for their respective bids on submarine contracts with the Canadian Patrol Submarine Program, a federal effort to procure 12 new submarines. Cohere has made deals to embed its AI into both bidders' on-board systems.

Saab has partnered with the Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier on its GlobalEye program.

Saab employs about 28,000 people and operates across aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Cohere is co-headquartered in Toronto and San Francisco, with offices including London, Montreal, Paris and Seoul.

Canada has become a focal point for defence suppliers seeking to align advanced manufacturing and software partnerships with procurement campaigns.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, said the company viewed Canada as a strong market for industrial and technology partnerships.

"Canada offers outstanding industrial and advanced technology partners," Johansson said. "Working with Canadian companies like Cohere on emerging technologies strengthens our global supply chain and enhances Saab's international competitiveness."

Ivan Zhang, Cohere's co-founder, outlined how the company sees the work being applied in aerospace.

"Frontier artificial intelligence should be built for scale, trust, reliability and, most importantly, real-world impact," Zhang said. "Through Saab's deep engineering heritage and our advanced enterprise-grade models, we'll explore pushing the boundaries of what AI can truly deliver for aerospace, enabling teams to process complex data faster, increase operational tempo, surface key insights with clarity and support critical decision-making when it matters most."