Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI) announced it has been selected by AFWERX for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to develop a new artificial intelligence dataset using images of foreign object debris and damage (FOD) commonly found on U.S. Air Force and civilian airfields. The project is intended to support Department of the Air Force initiatives while expanding the company’s AI-powered computer vision technology into defense and commercial airfield operations.
The award broadens the potential applications of Safe Pro's patented SPOTD (Safe Pro Object Threat Detection) platform beyond battlefield and post-conflict landmine detection. The contract follows recent interest from the U.S. Army, which has invited Safe Pro to provide operational support during an upcoming airfield exercise. This development signals growing adoption of AI-driven safety solutions in military aviation environments.
Safe Pro Group showcases the latest application of its AI-powered threat detection technology, demonstrating how its real-time computer vision platform can support rapid inspection of airfields and runways. Designed to autonomously identify landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other potential hazards, the technology enhances situational awareness and helps improve safety across defense and critical infrastructure operations. The move into airfield safety could reduce risks for personnel and aircraft by enabling faster, more accurate detection of debris that can cause catastrophic damage.
For the industry, this contract highlights the convergence of AI and drone-based inspection services, potentially setting a new standard for airfield maintenance. The technology's ability to leverage commercially available off-the-shelf drones with proprietary machine learning and computer vision offers a scalable alternative to manual inspections. This could lead to cost savings and increased operational efficiency for both military and civilian airports.
The broader implications touch on national security and public safety. By automating the detection of FOD, which costs the global aviation industry billions annually, Safe Pro's solution may reduce accident risks and improve runway readiness. The company's cloud-based ecosystem, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), allows for real-time data processing and integration with existing infrastructure.
For more information on the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/L2UNO. Additional updates on Safe Pro Group are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SPAI.
