SightLine Applications, a developer of video processing software for autonomous and uncrewed systems has announced the acquisition of Athena AI, an Australia-based specialist in AI-enabled computer vision and decision support for defense applications.

Athena AI’s field-proven, highly interoperable vision-based AI systems and trained models enable enhanced real-time situational awareness and quicker, more effective decision-making on the edge in critical mission areas of: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS), Fire Control, Mission Planning, and Battlefield Management.

By merging Artificial Intelligence and application engineering expertise and integrating Athena AI’s advanced capabilities into SightLine’s video processing platform and software suite, SightLine will deliver next generation features and tools to its customers and end users. SightLine’s expanded global presence into Australia mirrors the US Department of Defense’s strategic focus on US and Indo-Pacific Command capabilities and positions SightLine to support the shared AI technology goals of longstanding allied nations – United States and Australia – as set forth in AUKUS Pillar 2.

Jon Atwood, CEO at SightLine, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal, “the SightLine team is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Athena AI, as it perfectly aligns with SightLine’s vision to be the proven leader in video processing technologies that enable mission success and autonomy. In addition to broadening our product portfolio, we look forward to delivering high-value feature and functionality improvements to our customers as they pursue advanced autonomy and accelerated decision support. By uniting with the talented Athena team, we are building an organization with complementary strengths to meet emerging defense priorities and evolving end user requirements with agility and application expertise – in order to drive the next phase of SightLine’s growth.” 

Stephen Bornstein, Founder and Managing Director of Athena AI and now Chief Product Officer at SightLine, stated “the Athena AI team is excited about this next stage of our journey, partnering with SightLine to deepen access in the US market, leveraging industry leading video processing technologies and enabling next generation features for our customers. We look forward to being able to support key US customers with a stronger presence from the SightLine team as well as the synergies in technology that the integrated product line will now be able to achieve.”