A Word from the CEO:

Geospatial Trends in 2026

As we enter 2026, it’s natural to reflect on the developments that shaped 2025 and look ahead to what will define the coming year. Across industries, we’ve seen rapid technological progress, heightened security demands, and an increasing need for resilience. These dynamics are particularly evident in the defense industry, where the need for advanced geospatial technology continues to grow.

Five trends driving geospatial innovation in 2026

1. Multi-domain operations (MDO)

Modern defense operations require coordination across the land, air, and sea domains, enabling commanders, operators, and autonomous systems to make informed decisions. Advanced geospatial technology is essential for creating a unified operational picture, combining live data feeds, terrain analysis, maritime charts, and threat overlays. At Carmenta, we have worked extensively on this in 2025 and will continue to ensure interoperability and open standards across our product suite. Read more here: uncrewed military mobility across all domains.

2. Increasing Operational Complexity

Defense missions today involve operating in highly dynamic and contested environments,  demanding faster decision cycles. Geospatial platforms help reduce complexity and enable rapid, informed decisions. This is an area where we see that Carmenta technology can continue to make a difference, minimizing risk and improving mission success.

3. Autonomous decision-making at the edge

All autonomous systems, whether UAVs, UGVs, USVs or AUVs, rely on precise geospatial data for mission planning, navigation, and coordination. Platforms that support these capabilities, both in planning systems and at the edge, are becoming indispensable to defense operations. This area will remain a priority for Carmenta, with continued innovation.

4. AI-driven decision support

Artificial intelligence as decision support continues to develop, and is transforming how we process and visualize data. One example is AI-driven spatial intelligence, where real-time UAV data is converted into high-resolution, semantic 3D maps using 3D reconstruction and object recognition. Combining AI with Carmenta’s analysis and visualization expertise opens new possibilities for situational awareness. Read more about how SE3 Labs and Carmenta are redefining decision-making with AI-driven spatial intelligence.

5. Interoperability Requirements

Coalition operations and joint exercises demand systems that can share and interpret geospatial data across platforms and nations. Interoperability and open standards have always been at the core of Carmenta technology and in 2026 we will continue this commitment to ensure seamless integration with both partner systems and emerging technologies.

Looking back at 2025

2025 was a year of progress and momentum for Carmenta. We strengthened partnerships, advanced our platforms, and delivered solutions that enable operational clarity in complex environments. Among the highlights:

• Launching Carmenta UAS Mission Kit, a new solution for developing advanced uncrewed applications, alongside technical releases of our existing products.
• Strengthening partnerships, such as the extension of our frame agreement with Airbus Defence and Space, reinforcing collaboration for future innovation.
• Participating in the final demonstrations of MarsEUs, contributing to the evolution of European defense capabilities.
• Autonomous drone flight trials in Heathrow Airport’s Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) as the HADO Project was concluded, demonstrating the potential of uncrewed systems in high-intensity airspace.
• Speaking at major international conferences, including Xponential Europe in Germany and GVSETS in the United States, where we shared insights on interoperability and mission-critical technologies.
• Best Paper Award – At GVSETS 2025 we also received the Best Paper Award for our technical paper presented at the Autonomy, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics track: “Optimizing Firing Position Usage for Survivability and Effectiveness in Artillery Shoot-and-Scoot Tactics”.

To the Carmenta Team: Thank You! The achievements of last year reflect the dedication and expertise of the Carmenta team. Thank you for your hard work, commitment, and for always striving to deliver excellence.

Looking ahead to 2026

Stepping into 2026, we are looking forward to a year filled with exciting opportunities. Several innovative projects and developments that will strengthen our contribution as a trusted partner in defence and security are already underway.

Geospatial technologies are increasingly critical across defence, security and public safety sectors. At Carmenta, our purpose remains clear: we will continue to develop reliable, performant and flexible technology to empower decision-making for those who safeguard lives and critical infrastructure.