Preligens

Preligens (formerly Earthcube) is a French artificial intelligence company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Paris, developing deep learning algorithms for automated analysis of satellite and aerial imagery for defense and intelligence applications — specifically automated detection, classification, and change monitoring of military and critical infrastructure objects across large-scale geospatial imagery datasets. The company was acquired by Safran Group in 2022.

Traditional satellite imagery analysis for defense intelligence relies on human photo interpreters (PIs) manually reviewing imagery to identify objects of interest — a process that becomes operationally impossible as satellite constellation imagery volume grows from gigabytes to petabytes per day. Preligens's convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms automate detection and classification of aircraft, vessels, vehicles, military equipment, and infrastructure across wide-area imagery, enabling rapid screening of large image archives that would take human analysts weeks to complete.

The technology applies change detection algorithms between image acquisitions to automatically flag new or modified objects — enabling continuous automated monitoring of areas of interest for military planners and intelligence agencies without requiring constant human attention. Customers include French defense agencies (DGA, DGSE), NATO allied intelligence services, and commercial satellite operators providing analysis services to government clients.

Safran Group — one of France's largest defense and aerospace conglomerates, with Safran Electronics & Defense as its optronics and sensor division — acquired Preligens for approximately €100 million in 2022, integrating its AI capabilities into Safran's defense imagery, sensor fusion, and intelligence product portfolio alongside its electro-optical sensors and targeting systems.