Smith Myers secures Airbus Helicopters contract for ARTEMIS systems

Smith Myers has announced a major contract with Airbus Helicopters to supply its ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection and Location Systems (MPDLS), which will now be available as both a factory-fit and retrofit option across Airbus’s fleet of aircraft.

The agreement was unveiled simultaneously at APSCON Europe in Valencia, Spain (8–10 September) and DSEI in London, UK (9–12 September).

Andrew Munro, Managing Director of Smith Myers, said: “This tender and contracting activity was highly rigorous. Being selected by a company of Airbus’ status, underscores the effectiveness and reliability of our ARTEMIS systems, which are already being installed on a number of Airbus helicopters now.”

The framework contract includes not only the ARTEMIS system but also integrated logistics support, lifecycle management, and training and simulation provisions.

Smith Myers’ ARTEMIS suite has already been adopted for major search and rescue (SAR) and coast guard programs in the UK, Europe, and North America. The system is designed to locate mobile telephones in difficult airborne environments using just two small antennas. It can detect a handset at ranges of up to 35km and offers advanced functions such as mass-mapping and geofencing, helping to reduce crew workload.

By operating as a stand-alone system without relying on mobile network operators, ARTEMIS delivers rapid and accurate results, even in poor visibility or instrument meteorological conditions. According to Smith Myers, this automation speeds up rescues and improves mission outcomes.

The company describes ARTEMIS as a proven life-saving technology, with the Airbus contract representing a significant step in expanding its global deployment.

Smith Myers recently unveiled its integrated SAR training simulator at Paris Air Show 2025.