Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a game-changing force across numerous industries, from healthcare to finance. The technology’s ability to optimize processes, improve decision-making, and unlock new opportunities has made its rise inevitable. Yet, in the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) sector, the adoption of AI has been more measured compared to other industries. Given the high stakes involved—whether in the cockpit of a commercial jet or on the battlefield—the slower pace of AI integration reflects a cautious approach driven by safety and reliability concerns.

In this article, we will explore the current state of AI deployment in the aerospace and defense industry and why its adoption, though promising, is progressing at a slower pace compared to other sectors.

Why the Aerospace and Defense Industry Is Slower to Adopt AI

Unlike industries where AI errors may result in financial losses or operational inefficiencies, a malfunction in the aerospace and defense sector could have far more severe consequences. A faulty AI system in the manufacturing of consumer goods might lead to distribution issues or subpar products. However, a flawed AI in a fighter jet's navigation system or an airliner's autopilot could result in catastrophic failure, risking lives and national security.

This level of risk has compelled the industry to prioritize safety and redundancy in its AI applications, ensuring that any deployed AI system is rigorously tested and failsafe. The slower pace also reflects the stringent regulatory requirements that govern aerospace and defense technologies. Despite these challenges, the industry is finding innovative ways to integrate AI into various facets of its operations, leading to notable advancements.

AI in Aviation: Improving Efficiency and Customer Experience

AI is making headway in the aviation industry in areas where human interaction is reduced or eliminated altogether. For instance, contactless technologies like automated airport check-ins and biometric passport controls are becoming standard features in many international airports. These systems, powered by AI, enhance security, reduce wait times, and streamline the passenger experience.

In addition, airlines are using AI to optimize dynamic ticket pricing. By analyzing load factors, market trends, and customer behavior, AI systems help airlines maximize revenue by adjusting ticket prices in real-time based on demand and available seats.

Another significant AI application is in delay prediction. By using machine learning models that analyze weather conditions, air traffic data, and historical flight patterns, airlines can better anticipate delays and notify passengers sooner, ultimately improving customer satisfaction.

AI is also transforming flight dispatch and crew scheduling, with algorithms now being used to optimize flight routes for fuel efficiency and to manage complex crew rosters. Predictive maintenance, enabled by AI, is reducing downtime by flagging potential mechanical issues before they lead to costly repairs, thus ensuring smoother operations and increased profitability for airlines.

AI's Role in Satellite Management

AI is proving instrumental in managing the growing number of satellite constellations orbiting the Earth. The cost of maintaining these satellites can reach hundreds of millions of dollars annually. AI, however, is changing this dynamic by enabling smarter, more autonomous satellite operations. AI systems can detect anomalies, adjust orbits, and optimize performance without human intervention, potentially reducing costs to just $10-15 million, according to satellite manufacturer Phantom Space.

This use of AI not only cuts operational costs but also enhances the reliability and resilience of space-based infrastructure, which is critical for applications ranging from communication to global positioning systems (GPS) and Earth observation.

AI in Aerospace Manufacturing: Speed and Precision

The aerospace sector is also using AI to improve aircraft production. By analyzing production data, AI can identify ways to optimize manufacturing processes, thereby reducing costs and speeding up production times. For example, Broetje-Automation, a German company, uses AI algorithms to design fuselage skin-fastening machines. These AI-powered systems have significantly improved efficiency, replacing manual, judgment-based processes with more precise, automated workflows.

With AI, manufacturers can streamline their supply chains, enhance quality control, and reduce waste, all of which contribute to better margins and faster turnaround times in aircraft production.

Federal Funding Driving AI Innovation in Defense

In the defense sector, government support plays a key role in accelerating AI development. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has significantly increased its investment in AI technologies, spending $874 million on AI initiatives in 2022, a 50% increase from the previous year. This figure surged to $1.8 billion in 2023, underscoring the growing importance of AI in military applications.

Federal funding is crucial not only for research and development but also for incentivizing private companies in the A&D industry to adopt and integrate AI into their operations. Companies that embrace AI are likely to secure more lucrative government contracts, further driving the sector’s overall adoption of the technology.

AI-Powered Mergers and Acquisitions in Aerospace and Defense

As AI becomes more central to aerospace and defense operations, we are seeing an increase in M&A activity involving AI-focused startups and established industry players. Large A&D firms, which may lack the internal resources to develop AI technologies in-house, are increasingly looking to acquire specialized AI companies to integrate their innovations into existing platforms.

Recent examples include AeroVironment’s $120 million acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics, a company that develops AI-based control systems for military robots, and Parsons Corporation’s $200 million purchase of Sealing Technologies, an AI-focused cybersecurity firm. Similarly, Saab recently acquired CrowdAI, a startup specializing in visual automation powered by AI.

On the flip side, startups that have raised capital through venture funding may seek partnerships or acquisitions by larger firms to gain access to established supply chains, government contracts, and capital resources.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Aerospace and Defense

While the aerospace and defense industry has been slower to adopt AI compared to other sectors, the potential for transformative change is undeniable. As AI tools continue to mature, they will help aerospace and defense companies improve efficiency, cut costs, and unlock new capabilities in areas ranging from aircraft design to satellite management and military operations.

In the coming years, we can expect AI to become even more deeply embedded in the A&D sector, leading to greater innovations, higher profit margins, and a competitive edge for companies that successfully navigate the complexities of AI integration. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the aerospace and defense industry is poised to soar into a new era of efficiency, safety, and technological excellence.

French jet engine manufacturer Safran has announced the acquisition of AI firm Preligens for €220 million ($243.3 million), marking a strategic move to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, particularly in its Electronics & Defense sector.

According to a press release issued on September 2, Safran plans to rebrand Preligens as Safran.AI. By integrating the AI firm into its Electronics & Defense division, Safran aims to accelerate the development of AI-driven products and services. Jean-Yves Courtois, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense, highlighted that this acquisition will enable the company to deliver more reliable information and decision-making support for operators involved in surveillance and identification tasks within the defense and space industries.

Safran also intends to apply Preligens’ AI technologies to Industry 4.0 initiatives, such as automated image analytics, to help quality controllers identify anomalies in critical components.

Founded in 2016, Preligens has earned a strong reputation for its AI analytics solutions, particularly in processing high-resolution imagery, full-motion video, and acoustic signals. The company’s unique AI Factory allows for the development of cutting-edge AI algorithms, trained on vast datasets from diverse sources, ensuring end-to-end security and traceability.

Safran’s Commitment to AI Innovation in Aerospace and Defense

This acquisition strengthens Safran’s technological capabilities and reinforces its position as a leader in utilizing AI to transform the aerospace and defense sectors.

With its strong international presence, Safran is well-equipped to support Preligens’ global expansion, particularly in the US market. In a related effort, Safran Electronics & Defense launched its Advanced Cognitive Engine (ACE) AI system on June 19. ACE is designed to incorporate AI across all Safran Electronics & Defense products, improving situational awareness, decision support, and reducing the cognitive burden on field forces.

The use of AI in defense and aerospace has seen significant growth in recent years. Notably, in February 2023, an AI agent successfully piloted Lockheed Martin’s VISTA X-62A fighter jet for over 17 hours at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California. This milestone is seen as a precursor to the next generation of fighter jets, which may operate autonomously without human pilots.

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a bold initiative led by Germany, France, and Spain—with Belgium recently joining as an observer—aims to revolutionize air warfare in mainland Europe by the 2040s. This ambitious program seeks to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) deeply into every aspect of its operations, potentially making it the first large-scale defense project with AI fully embedded.

The FCAS project envisions a suite of advanced warplanes and drones, with airworthy prototypes expected to take flight by the end of this decade. According to engineers and experts interviewed by Defense News, AI will be central to the system's development, influencing everything from design processes to real-time combat decisions and even what pilots see in their cockpits.

A key innovation of FCAS is the introduction of "loyal wingmen"—autonomous drones designed to fly alongside manned aircraft, enhancing missions by gathering more data, providing additional firepower, or overwhelming enemy defenses through sheer numbers. Thomas Grohs, Airbus’ head of future capabilities and chief engineer for FCAS, emphasized that these drones will require a significant level of automation or autonomy to operate effectively, as manual control from the cockpit would be impractical.

The challenge lies in determining the optimal balance of pilot involvement across different scenarios, which will be crucial to the program's overall success.

Always Connected

NeuralAgent, a Munich-based startup led by Onur Deniz, is tasked with ensuring seamless data flow across the system. The company is adopting an "AI agent approach," where each drone operates autonomously using locally-run AI models, rather than relying on a centralized, cloud-based system. These drones will communicate with each other through various channels, including optical, narrowband radio, and infrared, constantly maintaining dynamic and redundant data links for uninterrupted connectivity.

Deniz explained that this decentralized approach has proven highly effective in computer simulations, maintaining connectivity in challenging electronic warfare environments over 95% of the time. By contrast, centralized systems had a success rate of less than 0.5% in similar tests. NeuralAgent plans to have its software ready for integration into existing hardware by the end of 2025, initially focusing on legacy systems. The company boasts that its models are highly resource-efficient, capable of running on minimal hardware like a Raspberry Pi with less than a gigabyte of space.

Organizing the AI-Driven Future

Initially, the AI models within FCAS will be "frozen," meaning no machine learning will occur during missions. Algorithms for tasks such as sensor data processing and target selection will be pre-developed and updated off-board. 

AI will play a significant role in the entire observe, orient, decide, and act (OODA) loop, a key framework in military command. It will enhance sensor data quality, aid in decision-making, and potentially influence targeting decisions. However, the extent to which AI will autonomously make such critical decisions remains a topic of ongoing discussion.

Despite limited information on the final appearance and capabilities of FCAS, the resources committed to the project are immense. Airbus alone has over 1,400 people working on this next-generation air combat platform, in partnership with Dassault Aviation in France. Integrating AI-based algorithms across countless companies and thousands of engineers presents a significant challenge, as AI models have complex dependencies on one another and the data they process.

Ethical Concerns and the Role of AI

While the integration of AI offers promising advancements, it has also raised concerns among nongovernmental organizations and experts on autonomous weapons. Issues such as the reliability of machine vision, the opacity of AI decision-making processes, and the potential for AI to apply a tactical mindset to strategic decisions are at the forefront of ethical debates.

Some analysts worry that, even if a weapon system is not initially designed to kill autonomously, it could easily be modified to do so through a simple software update—a change that might be tempting in certain conflict scenarios. 

As FCAS continues to evolve, the debate over the role of AI in making life-and-death decisions in warfare is likely to intensify. However, one thing is clear: AI will be deeply intertwined with the future of air combat, shaping not only the technology itself but also the ethical frameworks that govern its use.

Space exploration in Europe is about to take a giant leap forward. This week, Norway and Germany inked a landmark agreement that could rewrite the history books. The declaration paves the way for Isar Aerospace, a German company, to launch its first satellite from Andøya Spaceport, a newly operational space facility nestled on the island of Andøya in northern Norway. This much-anticipated launch, slated for the latter half of 2024, has the potential to be the very first satellite launch from mainland Europe, a momentous occasion for the continent's spacefaring ambitions.

The newly signed agreement tackles a crucial aspect of international space cooperation – legal responsibilities. The document meticulously outlines the obligations of both Norway and Germany as dictated by international space law. This includes, among other things, establishing clear lines of financial accountability in the unlikely event of an accident. This agreement acts as a missing puzzle piece, finally allowing Isar Aerospace to proceed with its launch plans with confidence.

This collaboration signifies a turning point for Europe's space program. The Andøya Spaceport, strategically located and boasting a highly skilled workforce, is poised to become a central hub for future European space activities. Norway's Trade and Industry Minister, Cecilie Myrseth, hailed the agreement as a major milestone. She underscored the importance of Germany as a key strategic partner in this endeavor and expressed her unwavering belief in the immense value this project holds for both Norway and Europe. The potential benefits extend far beyond the launch itself. A successful mission would undoubtedly inspire a new generation of European scientists and engineers, fostering innovation and propelling the continent's space ambitions to new heights.

Activity is already bustling at Andøya Spaceport. The launchpad specifically designated for Isar Aerospace's pathfinder mission is undergoing meticulous preparations to ensure a seamless launch. If everything falls into place as planned, this launch will not only be a historic moment for Norway and Germany, but it will also serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire European spacefaring community. The successful execution of this mission would mark the dawn of a new era for European space exploration, paving the way for a future filled with exciting discoveries and groundbreaking achievements. The wait is on, and anticipation is building across Europe as the continent prepares to witness a potential first – a satellite launch from its very own soil.

As the business aviation sector strives to enhance its environmental impact, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) emerges as a crucial strategy for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. A recent panel at EBACE featured experts from Air bp, Signature Aviation, World Fuel Services, and VistaJet, who discussed the entire SAF ecosystem, from feedstocks to regulatory mandates.

In a significant step last year, the European Parliament and European Council agreed on the ReFuelEU proposal, which mandates a gradual increase in blended SAF usage starting next year. According to Keith Sawyer, Avfuel’s manager of alternative fuels, fuel suppliers must provide a 2% SAF blend by 2025, scaling up to 70% by 2050. The exact qualifying blend ratio is still under determination.

The UK is also implementing a similar proposal starting early next year, requiring a 10% blend by 2030 and commencing a SAF usage mandate in 2025. Norway, Sweden, and France have already introduced SAF mandates.

Currently, global SAF production represents less than 1% of jet fuel consumption, with most SAF produced via the HEFA pathway—synthetic paraffinic kerosene from used cooking oils, fats, and greases. While HEFA is a first-generation SAF, concerns about feedstock availability persist. Avfuel executive vice president C.R. Sincock highlighted the challenge of significantly scaling up HEFA SAF production beyond the current sub-1% level.

Daniel Coetzer, CEO of Titan Fuels International, noted slow growth in the European SAF market, largely reliant on HEFA. Despite government financing and subsidies for refinery upgrades, feedstock shortages remain a hurdle. Coetzer remarked on the limited availability of materials like used cooking oil, emphasizing the need for alternative feedstocks.

Fortunately, new technologies and production pathways are emerging. Second-generation SAF pathways, such as alcohol-to-jet, use feedstocks like ethanol from crops, though political and environmental considerations complicate their adoption. In the U.S., only 2% of the corn crop is used for human consumption, highlighting potential feedstock sources.

Honeywell's recent improvements to its Unicracking technology, which employs the Fischer-Tropsch process, allow processing a wider range of biomass feedstocks into SAF. Over 50 sites globally have licensed Honeywell's SAF technologies, with a projected combined capacity of more than 500,000 barrels per day when fully operational.

Power-to-liquid technology, which produces SAF from hydrogen and carbon dioxide using electricity, offers a promising long-term solution. Sincock noted its scalability and sustainability, provided the electricity used is renewable.

Currently, 59 renewable refineries are planned or under conversion globally, including projects by Total, Repsol, SkyNRG, and ENI. However, sourcing SAF remains a challenge. Coetzer recounted a customer's difficulty in purchasing bulk SAF, underscoring the nascent state of the market compared to conventional jet fuel.

Concerns about meeting SAF mandates persist, given the industry's current capabilities. Coetzer questioned the feasibility of the targets and the speed at which they are being implemented, suggesting a need for more consultation and realistic timelines.

SAF is approved for use up to 50% blends with conventional jet-A, due to the need for aromatic compounds in petroleum to ensure proper functioning of aircraft fuel systems. In its pure form, SAF can reduce life cycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%, as demonstrated by aircraft testing from Gulfstream and Embraer.

Blended SAF is available at around 30 European airports, with regulations prioritizing larger airports. Sawyer explained that fuel suppliers must prioritize airports with over 800,000 passengers annually, impacting business aviation's access to SAF at major hubs like Schiphol and Frankfurt.

In anticipation of the Paris Summer Olympics, Avfuel announced permanent SAF supplies at three French airports: Paris Le Bourget, Bordeaux-Mérignac, and Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne. The 30% SAF blend, produced from used cooking oil, offers a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

European operators are becoming more knowledgeable about SAF. Noel Siggery of AEG Fuels observed a shift in understanding and demand for SAF among general aviation operators, with some seeking higher blend percentages for their aircraft.

Despite SAF's compatibility with conventional jet-A, logistical challenges remain in ensuring widespread availability across all regions. Siggery emphasized the need for sustainable transportation and distribution of SAF to smaller and regional airports.

The journey toward widespread SAF adoption involves overcoming production, distribution, and regulatory challenges. However, the potential for substantial carbon emission reductions makes SAF a key component of the aviation industry's future.

Embraer-X, the technology incubator and 'market accelerator' arm of the renowned Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer, has recently initiated a groundbreaking partnership with the Sustainable Aero Lab based in Hamburg, Germany. This collaborative endeavor aims to propel Embraer's initiatives towards the decarbonization of aviation. The announcement of this joint venture was made by Embraer-X earlier this week, signaling potential new investments in startups with a specific focus on advancing energy transition within the air transport industry.

The Sustainable Aero Lab functions as a conduit for technology startups, connecting them with mentors, investors, and potential customers and partners to foster innovation in the aviation sector. Supported by key sponsors such as the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank and the Breakthrough Energy consortium, the lab was established with the backing of prominent entities including the Hamburg Aviation aerospace cluster, Germany's ZAL Center for Applied Aeronautical Research, and Density Ventures.

Embraer aims to drive progress in its Energia future aircraft program, which centers on the development of hybrid-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion technology for next-generation 19- and 30-seat regional airliners. Additionally, its subsidiary, Eve Air Mobility, is actively engaged in designing a four-passenger eVTOL aircraft.

Stephan Uhrenbacher, founder and CEO of the Sustainable Aero Lab, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Embraer-X, highlighting the enhanced mentorship program for aviation startups worldwide. The overarching goal is to tangibly reduce the climate footprint of aviation by synergizing support initiatives, facilitating access to resources, and fostering collaboration among startups, infrastructure providers, and industry experts. Together, Embraer-X and the Sustainable Aero Lab aspire to pave the way for a sustainable future in aviation.

Lockheed Martin and MilDef have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at elevating Sweden's aerospace capabilities. This collaboration signals a significant step forward in industrial cooperation within the realm of tactical airlifters.

Lockheed Martin, a key player in global security and aerospace, is teaming up with MilDef, renowned for its tactical IT solutions, to explore innovative avenues of collaboration within Sweden’s aerospace sector. The unveiled MoU underscores the pivotal role of industrial partnerships in bolstering national defense capabilities.

At the heart of this partnership is Lockheed Martin’s C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, poised to enhance the operational prowess of the Swedish Air Force (SwAF). Leveraging MilDef’s solutions, Lockheed Martin aims to integrate advanced technologies into its aerospace and defense ecosystem.

Tony Frese, Lockheed Martin's vice president of business development, highlights the synergies between the two entities, emphasizing their specialization in supporting tactical mission demands with advanced and integrated solutions.

MilDef’s CEO, Daniel Ljunggren, echoes Frese’s sentiments, stressing the importance of industrial collaboration in delivering optimal solutions to end customers.

Sweden’s existing collaborations with Lockheed Martin, including the deployment of the Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter and the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor system, further solidify the strategic partnership’s foundation.

The C-130J-30 Super Hercules, renowned for its operational readiness and tactical airlift capabilities, emerges as a frontrunner in Sweden’s efforts to modernize its C-130H fleet. With 26 operators across 22 nations, including Denmark and Norway, the C-130J-30 offers interoperability and cost-effective solutions.

As per GlobalData’s “Sweden Defense Market 2023-2028” report, the Swedish Air Force currently operates six C-130H transport aircraft acquired from Lockheed Martin between 1975 and 1981.

With the global fleet of C-130Js nearing three million flight hours, the strategic alliance between Lockheed Martin and MilDef heralds a new era in Sweden’s aerospace landscape, promising enhanced capabilities in the domain of tactical airlifters.

The German parliament has granted approval for legislation aimed at facilitating the acquisition of citizenship and removing restrictions on holding dual citizenship last friday. The proposal, advocated by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left, socially liberal coalition, garnered a majority vote of 382-234, with 23 lawmakers abstaining. While the government contends that the move will enhance immigrant integration and attract skilled labor, the main center-right opposition criticizes it, asserting that it could devalue German citizenship.

The approved legislation reduces the residency requirement for citizenship eligibility from eight to five years, or three years in the case of "special integration accomplishments." German-born children automatically become citizens if one parent has been a legal resident for five years, down from the current eight years. Additionally, the law eliminates restrictions on dual citizenship, a departure from the existing requirement that individuals from countries outside the European Union and Switzerland relinquish their previous nationality upon gaining German citizenship.

The government notes that 14 percent of the population, over 12 million out of 84.4 million inhabitants, lacks German citizenship, with around 5.3 million having resided in Germany for at least a decade. Germany's naturalization rate is reportedly below the EU average. In 2022, 168,500 people were granted German citizenship, the highest figure since 2002, with a notable increase in Syrian citizens being naturalized.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasizes that the reform aligns Germany with European neighbors like France and aims to attract skilled workers. The legislation specifies that those seeking naturalization must be able to support themselves and their dependents, with exceptions for "guest workers" who came to West Germany before 1974 and those who arrived in communist East Germany to work.

The existing requirement for citizenship applicants to adhere to the "free democratic fundamental order" is retained, with the new version explicitly stating that antisemitic and racist acts are incompatible with this commitment. However, the conservative opposition argues that Germany is relaxing citizenship requirements at a time when other countries are tightening theirs, describing the legislation as a "citizenship devaluation bill."

The citizenship law overhaul is part of a broader series of social reforms agreed upon by Scholz's three-party coalition upon taking office in late 2021.

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, SAP S/4HANA stands as a transformative force in the evolution of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions. Beyond its traditional back-office role, SAP S/4HANA extends its influence to front-end operations, making it an essential cornerstone for business success. As we delve into 2024, let's explore the trends that are shaping the future of SAP S/4HANA and the challenges that organizations may encounter on this transformative journey.

Trends Shaping SAP S/4HANA in 2024:

Cloud-First Approach:  The adoption of a cloud-first approach with SAP S/4HANA is no longer a future consideration but a present necessity. Businesses are leveraging the platform's flexibility, scalability, and accessibility, enabling seamless operations from anywhere in the world.

AI and Machine Learning Integration:  In 2024, SAP S/4HANA transcends being just a system; it becomes an intelligent system. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) takes center stage, enhancing predictive analytics, automating routine tasks, and providing valuable insights for informed decision-making.

Enhanced User Experience - Going Mobile: User experience takes precedence, with SAP's user interface evolving to offer an intuitive and user-friendly experience. The mobile-first approach gains momentum, optimizing for mobile devices and prioritizing responsive web design for an engaging user experience on the go.

Greater Emphasis on Cybersecurity: With the increasing digitization of business processes, robust cybersecurity measures are becoming crucial for SAP S/4HANA transformations in 2024. These measures safeguard sensitive data and ensure the integrity of business operations.

Challenges Associated with SAP S/4HANA Integration:

Data Migration Complexity:Transitioning to SAP S/4HANA often involves extensive data migration, presenting a challenge in ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of data.

Integration with Third-Party Systems: Organizations with complex IT landscapes and various third-party systems may face integration challenges. Close collaboration with third-party vendors and thorough testing become essential in overcoming this challenge.

Skillset Alignment: The advanced features of SAP S/4HANA demand a workforce with the right skills. Upskilling existing teams or sourcing talent familiar with the intricacies of the system poses a challenge for business owners.

Customization vs. Standardization Balance: Striking the right balance between customization to meet specific business needs and embracing standardization for efficiency is an ongoing challenge. Business owners must navigate this balance to optimize their SAP S/4HANA implementation.

Security and Compliance: Ensuring the security and compliance of the integrated S/4HANA system is paramount. Meeting industry regulations and safeguarding sensitive data present ongoing challenges that organizations need to address.

As SAP S/4HANA continues to evolve in 2024, organizations must embrace the trends that drive innovation while being mindful of the challenges associated with integration. Navigating this transformative journey requires strategic planning, collaboration, and a commitment to overcoming obstacles to unlock the full potential of SAP S/4HANA for enhanced business success.

The commencement of the Aerospace City project marked a significant milestone on Tuesday as the foundation stone for the new laboratories at Polytechnic University in Turin, Northern Italy, was laid. This initiative aims to establish an integrated ecosystem fostering education, research, innovation, and enterprise within the aerospace sector. The focal points of research will include hybrid-electric propulsion, power generation, and space exploration.

With an initial investment of €700 million, the project is anticipated to have a substantial economic impact, surpassing €750 million on the GDP. Upon completion, the new facility is set to accommodate 5,000 individuals.

The vision is to create a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem, synergizing education, research, innovation, and enterprise across the entire value chain. The ultimate goal is to establish Turin as a global reference center in the space economy.

In a strategic move, Turin is slated to host a G-7 summit in 2024, focusing on artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and space. Enterprise Minister Adolfo Urso emphasized Turin's growing significance in Italy's technological landscape, indicating a shift towards sectors like space debris control and a human return to the Moon by 2030.

Notable Italian aerospace giants, including Leonardo, Thales Alenia Space, Avio Aero, and Altec, are integral to the Aerospace City project. Their involvement spans areas such as technology hubs, Moon and Mars missions, clean aviation propulsion systems, and the establishment of a National Space Centre. The cumulative investment across these initiatives is expected to reach approximately €1 billion by 2028.

Luisa Riccardi, Deputy Secretary-General of Defence, emphasized the national importance of this project, positioning Turin, Piedmont, and Italy as a global reference center in the space economy. She highlighted the essential role of space technology in addressing critical issues like climate change and national security.

Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Space Agency, envisioned Turin's Aerospace City as an international hub attracting talent, fostering frontier technologies, and consolidating Italy's industrial heritage in the space sector. With 300 companies, 7,000 employees, and an annual turnover exceeding €2 billion, Italy's space industry is well-positioned for growth.

Leonardo's CEO, Roberto Cingolani, anticipates an unprecedented role for space in the company's upcoming industrial plan. With a focus on strengthening activities and rationalizing product lines and strategies, Leonardo plans to establish four research laboratories on campus, signaling a significant commitment to space-related endeavors in the coming years.