The aerospace and defense industry is experiencing a rise in patent innovation, especially in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

In the past three years, over 237,000 patents have been granted in this sector.

Technological innovations that will shape the future of the industry include precision imaging drones, aircraft maintenance AI, and AI video analytics.

Industry leaders in these areas include Boeing, Raytheon, Airbus, and General Dynamics, with other notable patent filers being KLA, General Electric, and NVIDIA.

One significant AI innovation is 3D position detection, involving over 300 companies in its development.

Although commercial applications dominate the patents filed, rapid deployment of this technology in unmanned ground and aerial vehicle operations in the defense sector is anticipated.