Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the aerospace, defense & security sector, with defense companies leveraging new patents to enhance efficiency and safety, streamline operations and improve performance. Strategic AI investments are driving hiring trends, highlighting the industry’s transformative shift. The impact of AI extends beyond the aerospace, defense & security sector, influencing various industries. GlobalData’s artificial intelligence market report provides comprehensive analysis of the AI market. Buy the report here.

This article presents a quarterly round-up of the latest trends in the aerospace, defense & security industry regarding AI. It provides an overview of recent developments in AI-related deals, talent acquisition, and patent filings within the aerospace, defense & security industry.

Diverse applications of artificial intelligence in aerospace, defense & security industry

Defence companies are leveraging new Artificial Intelligence technologies through recent patents to innovate and enhance their operations. For example, Porsche Automobil Holding SE has patented a charging system using drones to charge electrical aircraft in flight, while BETA AIR, LLC has developed a method for gauging fuel levels in electric aircraft. These technologies improve efficiency and safety in the aerospace industry. Samsung Group's patent focuses on managing a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles, enhancing communication and coordination. Additionally, Nokia Corp's patent involves coordinating flights of UAVs within a group. These advancements in AI technology will enable Defence companies to streamline operations, improve decision-making processes, and enhance overall performance in the field of aerospace and defense.

The industry experienced a 32% decline in the number of AI-related patent applications in Q4 2023 compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, the number of AI-related patent applications in the aerospace, defense & security industry witnessed a drop of 13% compared with Q4 2022.

Strategic deal trends in artificial intelligence in aerospace, defense & security industry

Aerospace, defense & security companies are not only focusing on innovation to enhance their patent portfolios but are also making strategic investments in AI. These investments aim to secure lucrative deals with partners and position themselves at the forefront of industry advancements. Some of the recent deals underscore the importance of AI in the aerospace, defense & security industry.

In Q4 2023, the number of AI-related deals in the aerospace, defense & security industry grew by 40% compared with Q4 2022. On a quarterly basis, there was 40% increase in the number of deals in Q4 2023 compared with the previous quarter.

Impact on hiring

In terms of new job posting, in Q4 2023, the aerospace, defense & security industry experienced a 2% growth compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also declined by 21%. Notably, computer and mathematical occupations, with a share of 30%, emerged as the top AI-related job roles within the aerospace, defense & security industry in Q4 2023, with new job postings rising by 4% quarter-on-quarter. Architecture and engineering occupations came in second with a share of 16% in Q4 2023, with new job postings rising by 8% over the previous quarter. The other prominent AI roles include management occupations with a 10% share in Q4 2023, and business and financial operations occupations with a 5% share of new job postings.

Huntington Ingalls Industries, CAE, Leidos, Boeing, and RTX are among the top companies leading in AI hiring within the aerospace, defense & security industry.

Countries driving adoption of artificial intelligence in aerospace, defense & security industry

The US is the leading country in AI adoption within the aerospace, defense & security industry, boasting the highest number of AI-related patents, jobs, and deals. Meanwhile, China, the UK, France and Estonia also maintain significant positions in AI adoption within the aerospace, defense & security industry.

In conclusion, the aerospace, defense & security industry is witnessing a surge in artificial intelligence applications, with companies prioritizing innovation, strategic investments, and recruitment efforts to harness the potential of AI technologies for improved operational efficiency and strategic advancements. The United States leads in AI adoption, while other countries like China, the UK, France, and Estonia are also actively contributing to the integration of AI in this sector.

To further understand GlobalData's analysis on artificial intelligence in the aerospace, defense & security industry, buy the report here.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.