Palantir and Thales Compete to Build the FAA's Next-Gen Predictive Air Traffic AI
The Next Web•Apr 18, 2026 10:38•infrastructure▸▾
infrastructure#air traffic📝 Blog|Analyzed: Apr 18, 2026 10:50•
Published: Apr 18, 2026 10:38
•1 min read
•The Next WebAnalysis
The FAA's ambitious SMART initiative is a massive leap forward for aviation safety and technological modernization. By extending predictive air traffic conflict windows from 15 minutes to a full two hours, this AI system will drastically reduce controller workload and preempt potential hazards. Backed by a $32.5 billion modernization fund, this project highlights the incredible Scalability and life-saving potential of applying advanced tech to critical infrastructure.
Key Takeaways & Reference▶
- •The new SMART system will expand air traffic conflict prediction from 15 minutes to a highly proactive two-hour window.
- •Tech giants Palantir and Thales, alongside startup Air Space Intelligence, are competing for this exciting contract.
- •This upgrade is part of a massive $32.5 billion modernization effort to replace 612 outdated radar systems.
Reference / Citation
View Original"The Federal Aviation Administration is building an AI system called SMART that would allow air traffic controllers to predict and resolve flight conflicts up to two hours before they happen."