A new partnership between Safran Electronics & Defense and Hemeria aims to push electronic warfare (EW) and electromagnetic intelligence (ELINT) operations into the stratosphere.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will integrate AI models developed by Safran.AI into a stratospheric balloon provided by Hemeria.
This creates a high-altitude system designed to detect, identify, and analyze electromagnetic emissions across multiple domains.
Operating from the stratosphere allows sensors to collect broader and cleaner data than lower-altitude platforms, giving AI systems more information to process and respond to in near real time.
Data gathered from multiple sensors and sources will be automatically fused to strengthen intelligence collection, electronic warfare operations, and battlefield situational awareness.
“Combining our balloon platform with Safran.AI’s artificial intelligence offers users an unprecedented synergy between high-altitude operations and advanced AI,” said Nicolas Multan, President of HEMERIA.
“We were looking for a partner who could turn demanding operational requirements into concrete solutions – Safran.AI fulfills this need.”
The agreement was signed during Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.
Stratospheric Balloon in Focus
The Hemeria’s portfolio includes zero-pressure, pressurized, and BalMan maneuvering stratospheric balloons.
Its zero-pressure balloon can operate at altitudes of up to 45 kilometers (28 miles) for periods ranging from several hours to multiple days.
The platform measures between 11 and 13 meters (36 to 43 feet) in diameter and can carry payloads weighing up to 2 tons (2,000 kilograms).
Beyond defense applications, the balloon can support scientific research, Earth observation, near-space technology testing, and payload-drop trials.
