What CarteNav Solutions does

CarteNav Solutions Inc., founded in 2002 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, develops ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) mission software for defense, security, and government customers globally. Its core products are AIMS-ISR, a multi-role mission software that provides real-time sensor control, geo-referenced augmented reality moving maps, and complete mission data lifecycle management on airborne, land-based, and maritime platforms, and AIMS-C4, a browser-based Common Operating Picture (COP) for real-time and historical ISR data dissemination across teams and agencies. The technical architecture is built around a modular plugin model with 25+ pre-built sensor integrations (including HENSOLDT PrecISR, Leonardo Osprey, IMSAR NanoSAR, Smith Myers ARTEMIS, Teledyne FLIR, and Sentient ViDAR), platform pre-integration with major OEMs (Diamond Aircraft, Schiebel, SNC, Thales), DO-178C Level D aviation certification, and ITAR-free deployment enabling international sales to non-US allied nations. MissionLink, a Rust-based middleware launched in 2025, provides REST API and proprietary AML markup for third-party integration.

The company generates revenue primarily through quote-based perpetual and term software licenses for AIMS-ISR and AIMS-C4, supplemented by professional services covering systems integration, sensor configuration, training, and 24/7 global technical support. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales to government/defense agencies with channel partnerships where OEMs and system integrators (PAL Aerospace, Babcock, 2Excel) bundle or specify CarteNav software on turnkey ISR platforms. The customer base spans military, coast guard, law enforcement, border security, search-and-rescue, and commercial surveillance operators across 60+ countries with 600+ installations.

CarteNav operates as a subsidiary of PAL Aerospace (parent), itself owned by publicly-traded Exchange Income Corporation (TSX: EIF), which provides stable capital and corporate governance. Notable operational milestones include a $1.4M strategic investment from Lockheed Martin in 2016, DO-178C Level D certification in 2021, integration onto the UK Royal Navy's Peregrine program via Thales/Schiebel, and the Finnish Border Guard's MVX program via SNC. Headcount is reported at 11-50 employees, with revenue not publicly disclosed.

Name

CarteNav Solutions

Legal name

CarteNav Solutions Inc.

Website

https://cartenav.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CarteNav Solutions develops ISR mission software (AIMS-ISR and AIMS-C4) for defense, coast guard, law enforcement, and government agencies globally. It integrates 25+ sensors and multiple platforms with DO-178C-certified, ITAR-free software deployed across 60+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense ISR Mission Software

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Autonomy Software, AI & Mission Management (UAS/UXV) (IMABAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

C4ISR Systems & Tactical Data Links (IMABAGAE), UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL)

Keywords

• ISR mission software
• Common operating picture
• Multi-sensor integration
• Airborne surveillance systems
• Defense mission software

Headquarters

HQ city

Halifax

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses (AIMS-ISR, AIMS-C4): Perpetual and term software licenses for AIMS-ISR mission software and AIMS-C4 common operating picture. Pricing not publicly disclosed; quote-based enterprise sales. Includes modular plugin architecture allowing customers to add sensor integrations and capabilities.
2. Professional Services: Systems integration, installation, configuration, training, and on-going technical support services. Global 24/7 technical helpline, dedicated project management team, and in-person ISR training. ISO 9001:2015 certified service delivery.
3. Sensor Integration Services: Engineering services for integrating third-party sensors (radars, cameras, communication systems) with AIMS-ISR platform. Minimizes or eliminates non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs through pre-configured sensor plugins.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

CarteNav Solutions develops intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission software for airborne platforms. Its core offerings include the AIMS-ISR mission system software, the AIMS-C4 common operating picture application, and the MissionLink middleware that integrates sensors and mission equipment. The software is sold to defense, government, law enforcement, coast guard, and commercial operators worldwide. [Inferred from input; no source ID available.]

Product overview

CarteNav offers a unified ISR Mission Software ecosystem comprising two core products: AIMS-ISR (flexible multi-role mission software providing sensor control and real-time augmented reality mapping on a Local Operating Picture) and AIMS-C4 (browser-based Common Operating Picture platform for real-time and historical ISR data distribution). These products work together as an integrated system - AIMS-ISR runs on operator workstations aboard platforms while AIMS-C4 serves as the centralized hub for data dissemination to ground commands and multiple agencies. An optional middleware component called MissionLink enables real-time data exchange and third-party integration via REST API with custom AIMS Markup Language (AML). The software utilizes a modular plugin architecture supporting diverse sensor integrations including radar, EO/IR cameras, and specialized sensors like ARTEMIS mobile phone detection.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AIMS-ISR: Flexible, multi-role mission software for any mission on any platform, providing complete mission data lifecycle management.
• AIMS-C4
• MissionLink

Products and services

• AIMS-ISR AIMS-ISR is CarteNav's mission system software for planning, executing, and debriefing airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, integrating sensor control, moving map, video, and mission data management on the aircraft.
• AIMS-C4 AIMS-C4 is CarteNav's common operating picture software that provides commanders and mission operators with a shared situational awareness view derived from AIMS-ISR-equipped platforms and other data sources.
• MissionLink MissionLink is CarteNav's middleware that abstracts sensor, avionics, and mission-equipment interfaces behind a common integration layer, enabling AIMS-ISR and AIMS-C4 to interoperate with third-party sensors and platforms.

Quantifiable outcome

• 24 lives saved in North Sea SAR mission - boat located within 15 minutes of takeoff using AIMS-ISR integrated with ViDAR and EO/IR sensors
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration23 records

AI capability7 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• HENSOLDTcoreTechnology or Integration · 18 July 2025Integration of HENSOLDT's PrecISR airborne multi-mission radar with AIMS-ISR 10 mission software. Collaboration combines radar technology with PAL Aerospace's ISR mission management platform, offering streamlined systems engineering integration and unified radar control within familiar AIMS-ISR interface.
• Smith MyerscoreTechnology or Integration · 16 June 2025Full integration of Smith Myers ARTEMIS mobile phone detection, geolocation and communication system with AIMS-ISR. ARTEMIS enables turning mobile phones into geo-referenced cellular tracks on augmented reality moving maps. ARTEMIS also selected by UK Maritime Coast Guard Agency under SAR2G program.
• JD2EminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2025Training and simulation company specializing in ISR, Mission Commander and Sensor Operator training. Developer of Deployable Mission Operator Station (DMOS) showcasing AIMS-ISR integration with ARTEMIS and Teledyne FLIR sensors. DMOS already used to train hundreds of air crew personnel.
• MissionLink EcosystemcoreTechnology or Integration · 30 April 2025MissionLink (MLink) is CarteNav's proprietary lightweight integration layer enabling real-time, synchronized, bi-directional communication between AIMS-ISR, AIMS-C4, and third-party systems. Uses proprietary AML (AIMS Markup Language) for interface customization.
• Teledyne FLIRcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Teledyne FLIR Star SAFIRE series airborne sensor integrated with AIMS-ISR and ARTEMIS in DMOS simulator demonstration at Paris Airshow 2025. Star SAFIRE 380X, 380-HD, 380-HLD, and 380-HDc supported.
• Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)coreTechnology or Integration · 24 April 2023SNC's RAPCON-X jet integrated with AIMS-ISR advancing to next phase of Finnish Border Guard's MVX program. AIMS mission management system delivers enhanced communications, ISR, search and rescue capabilities, and environmental protection on Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft.
• ThalescoreTechnology or Integration · 10 February 2023Thales and Schiebel awarded UK Ministry of Defence contract for Peregrine program using CAMCOPTER S-100 integrated with AIMS-ISR. Thales acts as lead systems integrator with S-100 sensors fused through CarteNav AIMS Mission System.
• COVEminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 January 2023Partnership on Digital Harbour initiative to digitally monitor Halifax Harbour from water, land, air, and satellite. COVE received $497,706 funding from ACOA for phase one development. CarteNav provides above-surface marine-based ISR technology.
• Meta Mission Data (MMD)coreTechnology or Integration · 18 July 2022Integration of MMD Spectral Tactical Data Link (TDL) software with AIMS-ISR enabling ISR platforms to participate in live Link 16 network with access to enhanced situational awareness, command and control and additional communication capabilities.
• HaivisioncoreTechnology or Integration · 1 June 2022Implementation of Haivision Media Platform for live streaming over IP networks and Kraken low latency transcoder to power real-time full-motion video (FMV) within AIMS-C4 Common Operating Picture solution.
• IMSARcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 June 2022Partnership to integrate IMSAR Radar Systems (NanoSAR Pods) into AIMS-ISR product suite, delivering low SWaP-C multimode radar capabilities for crewed and uncrewed ISR surveillance platforms.
• Diamond AircraftcoreTechnology or Integration · 12 May 2022DA62 MPP special mission aircraft equipped with AIMS-ISR mission software as part of turnkey solution. DA62 MPP tour across North America demonstrating ISR capabilities for law enforcement, maritime patrol, and commercial applications.
• 2ExcelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 20222Excel takes delivery of first of three DA62 MPPs integrated with AIMS-ISR for special mission operations.
• MetOcean TelematicscoreTechnology or Integration · 9 December 2021Integration of MetOcean's Iridium Self Locating Datum Marker Buoy (iSLDMB) with both AIMS-ISR for real-time mission management and AIMS-C4 for SAR command and control in Common Operating Picture. Provides critical drift data for search and rescue operations.
• Sentient Vision SystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 11 February 2019PAL Aerospace collaboration with Sentient to offer ViDAR (Visual Detection and Ranging) optical radar as part of AIMS mission system. ViDAR provides wide-area optical search capabilities, autonomously detecting objects on ocean surface. Proven in real SAR missions saving 24 lives in North Sea.
• SchiebelcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019CAMCOPTER S-100 uncrewed air system integrated with AIMS-ISR providing multi-sensor integration, planning, collection, and dissemination for Royal Navy warships. S-100 has over 100,000 operating hours and completed over 2,000 deck landings.
• LeonardocoreTechnology or Integration · 16 July 2018Integration of AIMS-ISR with Leonardo Osprey multimode ESCAN surveillance radar announced at Farnborough. Osprey AESA radar selected by Norway's AW101 SAR helicopters and US Navy MQ-8C Fire Scout. First integration delivered to international customer in 2019.
• Airbus Defence and Space OptronicscoreTechnology or Integration · 14 June 2016Integration testing completed with AIMS mission software controlling Airbus DS Optronics camera systems including LEO-III HD, ARGOS-II HD, and GOSHAWK-II HD multi-sensor camera systems for airborne deployment.
• PAL AerospaceflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company and primary system integrator. PAL Aerospace is a world leader in aircraft special mission operations with over 250,000 flying hours of experience across 35 years. Subsidiary of Exchange Income Corporation (EIC). Conducts ISR operations globally and provides integration, engineering, and testing services.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Kongsberg Geospatial: Kongsberg Geospatial provides TerraLens and IRIS geospatial visualization and video exploitation software for airborne, land, and maritime mission systems. It is the closest direct competitor to AIMS-ISR, offering sensor-fused moving maps and C2 displays used by defense and public-safety operators.

Broad incumbents

• BAE Systems Intelligence & Security (GXP): BAE's Geospatial eXploitation Products (SOCET GXP) and intelligence solutions portfolio compete with AIMS-C4 for geospatial exploitation and multi-INT COP workflows. BAE is a broad defense prime with substantially larger scale and a deeper installed base across allied militaries.
• L3Harris Technologies (Mission Systems): L3Harris Mission Systems offers integrated airborne ISR mission computing, sensor fusion, and WESCAM sensor suites that overlap with CarteNav's AIMS-ISR sensor integration and mission management value proposition. As a tier-one defense prime, it bundles mission software with hardware, putting competitive pressure on pure-play software specialists.
• Thales (Defense Mission Systems): Thales provides tactical mission systems and airborne surveillance solutions (including I-Master radar already integrated with AIMS-ISR). Thales acts both as partner (Peregrine program lead systems integrator) and competitor with its own mission software and C2 portfolio across allied markets.
• Leonardo (Electronics & Defense): Leonardo supplies Osprey AESA radar and broader airborne ISR mission systems that compete with CarteNav's mission software. As an integrated prime, Leonardo can offer end-to-end ISR solutions that bundle its own mission software, posing competitive pressure on software-only specialists.
• Elbit Systems (C4I & Cyber): Elbit Systems provides C4I, mission management software, and airborne ISR solutions across global defense markets. Like other incumbents, it competes with CarteNav by offering end-to-end integrated ISR platforms rather than best-of-breed software.
• Northrop Grumman Mission Systems: Northrop Grumman develops mission system software and C2 platforms for airborne ISR and special-mission aircraft. Its scale and incumbent prime position on US platforms makes it a key alternative to CarteNav in prime-led programs.
• Raytheon (RTX) Intelligence & Space: Raytheon offers airborne ISR mission software, sensor integration, and command-and-control solutions that overlap with CarteNav's AIMS-ISR and AIMS-C4 capabilities. As a tier-one US prime, it competes especially for US and US-aligned programs.

Emerging players

• Anduril Industries: Anduril's Lattice platform and autonomous ISR systems (e.g., Roadrunner, Ghost Shark) represent a software-centric, AI-first threat to traditional mission-system providers. While Cartenav's installed base remains defense-specialized, Anduril is rapidly moving into adjacent autonomous airborne ISR territory.
• Sentient Vision Systems: Sentient Vision Systems provides ViDAR optical radar and Kestrel land MTI for maritime and land surveillance, integrated with CarteNav via partnership. As a sensor-AI specialist it overlaps with parts of CarteNav's computer-vision-enabled situational awareness capability.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cartenav
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cartenav-solutions

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CarteNav Solutions