Special Report: Palantir streamlining software and personnel role towards automated targeting

An image from a video shared by Palantir on 13 March 2026, showing a common intelligence picture on a map via the Palantir Platform. (Palantir)

Elements of what artificial intelligence (AI) and data company Palantir describes as its “Palantir Platform”, the software behind its Maven Smart System (MSS), can be automated to the extent where a human operator approves a target and the system connects the firing circuit from sensor to effector, Janes understands based on conversations with Palantir representatives between in May 2026.

In trials a soldier on the ground approved and onpassed targeting information using a phone or tablet link. Polly Scully, UK defence lead for Palantir, told Janes in an interview on 6 May that while a human-in-the-loop (HITL) remains, their system can be “adaptable to the requirement of the military, to the extent that it [the military] wants to automate targeting”, within legal bounds.

Automated targeting

In a conversation with a Palantir representative on 1 May, Janes was given an example of a Link 16 message being sent to an aircraft's fire control computer using the Palantir Platform. In that instance, a pilot would only need to confirm the engagement by releasing the missile, according to the Palantir representative. The example was provided within the context of the Palantir Platform being used in what was described as an automated strike “that works”. Janes also understands, based on 1 May conversations, that some European militaries are more advanced than others when it comes to automatically connecting the sensor to the effector and carrying out a strike.

Janes was shown a Palantir Platform demonstration on 1 May, in London. During the demonstration, in conversation with Palantir representatives, Janes