PlanBlue’s Joost den Haan recently participated in the European Defence Fund (EDF) Info Days 2026, held on 10–11 March in Brussels. The event, organised by the European Commission, brings together key stakeholders from across Europe to advance collaboration in defence research and innovation. More information about the event can be found here.

During the “Maritime Capabilities” session, Joost presented how the fusion of hyperspectral imaging, RGB imaging, and precise georeferencing can enhance the detection and classification of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and strengthen maritime mine countermeasure (MCM) operations. By combining these data sources, PlanBlue delivers actionable intelligence to optimize seafloor object identification, minimize false positives, and enable faster, more informed decision-making in complex marine environments. PlanBlue’s high-resolution seafloor data is complementary to large-scale mapping technologies such as LiDAR and sonar, adding an additional layer of insight that helps optimize the Target Nomination List.

The event also provided valuable opportunities to engage with European partners, explore the EDF 2026 calls, and contribute to shaping future collaborative projects.

PlanBlue’s participation underscores the growing importance of high-resolution ocean data and environmental intelligence in defence applications. Through its work, PlanBlue continues to push the boundaries of advanced sensing to deliver safer and more efficient maritime operations. Learn more about PlanBlue’s technology.