What Smith Myers does

Smith Myers Communications Ltd is a UK-based, employee-owned designer and manufacturer of mobile phone detection, location, and communication systems (MPDLS), founded in 1987 and headquartered in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Its flagship ARTEMIS product family uses a proprietary Software Defined Radio architecture with in-house GSM/UMTS/LTE/5G protocol stacks on FPGA/SDR platforms to detect, geographically locate, and communicate bilaterally with mobile phones at ranges up to 35km without requiring Mobile Network Operator involvement. The portfolio spans airborne variants (T-A4, T-A, T-U, C-A), the land/sea-ready ARTEMIS-Flex, the dismounted ARTEMIS SAR Backpack, the ARTEMIS Simulator training environment, and the SARLOC consent-based location sharing service. All airborne products are qualified to RTCA DO-160G, and the firm holds AS9100 and ISO 14001 certifications.

The company's revenue model is built on direct enterprise sales to government defence, SAR, law enforcement, and coast guard customers, supplemented by OEM-embedded distribution through aircraft manufacturers (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, Daher, Diamond Aircraft) and qualified payload slots on UAV platforms (Teledyne FLIR, Schiebel, Beyond Vision, Threod, Draganfly). Smith Myers monetises through hardware sales, professional services and training (including the Artemis/ISR Airborne Operator Course delivered with JD2E), and simulator licensing. The firm serves five primary segments: search and rescue organisations, law enforcement/public safety aviation, border control and maritime patrol, disaster response and aerial firefighting, and defence and military operators. Notable end customers include the Royal Norwegian Air Force (since 2015 on the Leonardo AW101), the Royal Canadian Air Force (CH-149 Cormorant MLU), the Italian Air Force, the Italian Fire Brigade, the UAE National Search and Rescue Centre, Swedish SAR teams, and various European law enforcement helicopter fleets. Marketing is delivered through industry events (VERTICON, Farnborough, European Rotors, DSEI, AVALON), earned media via customer testimonials, and a content-led website. The company has remained independent and self-funded throughout its history, with no external venture capital or private equity involvement.

Name

Smith Myers

Legal name

Smith Myers Communications Ltd.

Website

https://smithmyers.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Smith Myers Communications Ltd designs and manufactures the ARTEMIS family of airborne, land, and sea mobile phone detection and location systems (MPDLS) using proprietary Software Defined Radio technology, serving search and rescue, law enforcement, defence, and public safety agencies worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airborne Mobile Phone Detection and Location Systems (MPDLS)

NAICS

Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)

akta.pro primary industry

Autonomous Defense Systems (AI/ML, Swarming, MUM-T) (IMABAOAI)

Keywords

• Mobile phone detection
• Search and rescue systems
• Airborne geolocation systems
• Software defined radio
• Cellular detection equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Biggleswade

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales (Airborne MPDLS): Sale of ARTEMIS MPDLS hardware systems in multiple configurations (T-A4, T-A, T-U, C-A) for crewed aircraft, uncrewed aircraft, land, and sea platforms. Hardware is sold directly to government agencies, defence forces, and SAR organisations, and as OEM-fit by aircraft manufacturers.
2. Professional Services / Training: Training and simulation services delivered through partnership with JD2E. Smith Myers also provides system integration support, installation services, and post-sale technical support. Training courses include the Artemis/ISR Airborne Operator Course.
3. Simulator Licensing: ARTEMIS Simulator sold as a standalone training tool. Runs with any flight simulator, provides realistic scenario creation and mission replay.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Smith Myers designs, manufactures, and sells the ARTEMIS family of Mobile Phone Detection and Location Systems (MPDLS) that detect, locate, and communicate with mobile phones over 2G/3G/4G/5G networks for airborne, land, and sea search and rescue, law enforcement, border protection, and defence operations. The company's offerings include the airborne ARTEMIS family with multiple SWaP variants (T-A4, T-A, T-U, C-A), the ARTEMIS-Flex ruggedised land/sea system, the ARTEMIS SAR Backpack, ARTEMIS Simulator, and SARLOC consent-based location sharing. Smith Myers also delivers training services through the Artemis/ISR Airborne Operator Course with JD2E.

Product overview

Smith Myers offers the ARTEMIS family of Mobile Phone Detection and Location Systems (MPDLS) for airborne, land, and sea search and rescue and public safety operations. The core ARTEMIS system uses proprietary Software Defined Radio technology supporting 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular networks. The portfolio includes ARTEMIS (airborne), ARTEMIS-Flex (land/sea), ARTEMIS+ (enhanced capabilities), and specialized hardware variants C-A, T-U, T-A, and T-A4 with varying SWaP profiles and feature sets. Supporting products include the ARTEMIS SAR Backpack for portable operations, ARTEMIS Simulator for training, and SARLOC consent-based location sharing. The company also offers the Artemis/ISR Airborne Operator Course through partnership with JD2E for comprehensive training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ARTEMIS: Award-winning Mobile Phone Detection & Location System (MPDLS) for search and rescue, disaster response, and public safety missions. Includes variants: ARTEMIS (AIR), ARTEMIS-Flex (LAND & SEA), and simulation/training solutions.

Products and services

• ARTEMIS (Air) The primary Mobile Phone Detection and Location System (MPDLS) designed for airborne search and rescue, disaster response, and public safety operations. Detects, locates, and communicates with mobile phones using proprietary Software Defined Radio technology supporting 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Qualified to RTCA DO-160G aviation standards for deployment on crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Available in multiple SWaP variants including T-A4, T-A, T-U, and C-A.
• ARTEMIS-Flex (Land & Sea) Flexible land and sea variant of ARTEMIS MPDLS with waterproof IP67-rated and rugged flexible integration housing. Adapts quickly for use on ground vehicles, backpacks, vessels, and other land or sea platforms. Includes SARLOC consent-based location sharing built in. Dimensions 348 x 223.27 x 194.06mm, weight 10.7kg.
• ARTEMIS+ Enhanced version of ARTEMIS with additional capabilities for Maritime Patrol, Border Protection, and Law Enforcement operations. Includes expanded feature set for specialised operational requirements such as advanced geofencing, country-of-origin filtering, and AIS track correlation.
• ARTEMIS SAR Backpack Portable ground-based search and rescue variant of ARTEMIS in a ruggedised and waterproof backpack configuration for mountain rescue and disaster response teams operating in harsh weather conditions. Supports 8+ hours continuous operation with hot-swappable commercial lithium batteries. Geolocation accuracy demonstrated down to 20 metres during field testing.
• ARTEMIS Simulator Training and simulation environment for ARTEMIS operators. Runs with any flight simulator, features global mapping, supports 2G/3G/4G/5G scenario creation, includes live mission replay functionality, and shares the same API as the live ARTEMIS system.
• C-A (ARTEMIS variant) Lowest SWaP variant of ARTEMIS for airborne applications. Weighs 560g (1.2lbs) with dimensions of 120x129x36mm. Features 5km max range, browser-based user interface, and UAS mounting pod option (U-Pod). Targeted at covert and UAS applications.
• T-U (ARTEMIS variant) Lightweight powerhouse variant for tactical airborne operations. Weighs 1.4kg (3lbs) with dimensions of 226x133x41mm. DO-160G qualified, supports 10V-36V DC input, and includes a role-fit option with Pelican Case housing for rapid mount/dismount between aircraft.
• T-A (ARTEMIS variant) Full-feature lightweight ARTEMIS variant. Weighs 4.2kg (9.25lbs) with dimensions of 353x90x165mm. Features Dual Channel AIS and COSPAS-SARSAT receivers built in, audio support, and browser-based interface. Includes T-A(P) Pelican Case role-fit option.
• T-A4 (ARTEMIS variant) Multi-channel no-compromises ARTEMIS variant with four Smith Myers Software Defined Radios. Supports 48 cellular bands. Dimensions 348x223x194mm. Highest capacity system in the ARTEMIS family for maximum operational flexibility.
• SARLOC Consent-based mobile phone location sharing technology for mountain rescue operations. Sends text message with web link to a missing person's phone; when clicked, captures the phone's GPS location and displays it on the rescue team map. No special app required, uses standard web browser. Free service for search and rescue organisations; built into ARTEMIS-Flex.
• Artemis/ISR Airborne Operator Course Five-day modular training course delivered with JD2E partnership covering ISR introduction, Artemis operation and integration, sensor types and operation, mission system management, and mission planning for overland and maritime operations. Includes expert ex-military instructors and high-fidelity synthetic training environment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Detection range up to 35km+ with geolocation accuracy as precise as 20 metres
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration17 records

AI capability5 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and flagship.

• HAT.tec GmbHmajorTechnology or Integration · 11 March 2026Integration of ARTEMIS MPDLS with HAT.tec mission management system SCALE across the helicopter fleet of a major European law enforcement agency. The integration enables ARTEMIS mobile phone detection and geolocation data to be displayed alongside other aircraft sensors on a single fused display, reducing operator cognitive workload and enhancing situational awareness. HAT.tec is Europe's leading software company for platform-independent mission management with around 70 employees, launched in 2018 as a spin-off from University of the Bundeswehr Munich.
• Trakka SystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 25 November 2025Successful integration of ARTEMIS MPDLS with Trakka mission system and Trakka TC-400 EO/IR camera. Integration enables ARTEMIS tracks to be overlaid on the Trakka moving map and augmented reality display, with automatic cueing of the EO/IR turret.
• Airbus HelicoptersflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 15 September 2025Major framework agreement for Airbus Helicopters to supply ARTEMIS systems as a factory-fit option. Announced at DSEI 2025. ARTEMIS becomes available as a standard option on Airbus helicopter platforms, significantly expanding market reach through the world's largest helicopter manufacturer's distribution network.
• DahermajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 25 July 2025Collaboration to integrate Artemis T-A (Peli) system on the Daher Kodiak 900 aircraft as part of an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) suite.
• Airborne TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 23 July 2024Integration of ARTEMIS+ on De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft with Airborne Linx workstation for a European law enforcement agency. Airborne Technologies serves as the platform integrator bringing together multiple sensor payloads including ARTEMIS and Horizon Technologies' BlackFish.
• Diamond AircraftcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 18 July 2024Diamond Aircraft integrates ARTEMIS into the DA62 MPP (Multi-Purpose Platform) VANGUARD for SAR, disaster management, and firefighting missions. Diamond Aircraft also won a contract for three DA62 MPP aircraft for the Greek Government featuring Smith Myers ARTEMIS. Additionally, Diamond Aircraft offers the DA62 MPP for environmental surveillance.
• HENSOLDTcoreTechnology or Integration · 26 February 2024HENSOLDT integrated ARTEMIS into its EuroNav 7 mission system for critical airborne applications. The integration combines cellular detection data with HENSOLDT's mission management capabilities for enhanced situational awareness in military and security operations.
• JD2EcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 21 June 2023Smith Myers partnered with JD2E, a UK-based world-leading simulation and training company delivering ISR training courses and synthetic training devices to defence and security customers. JD2E has fully integrated the ARTEMIS Simulator into their full simulation environment, enabling high-fidelity ISR operator training. JD2E delivers the Artemis/ISR Airborne Operator Course with expert ex-military instructors.
• Leonardo HelicoptersflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 13 June 2023Long-standing partnership since 2016 for integration of ARTEMIS on the Leonardo AW101 SAR helicopter (SAR Queen). ARTEMIS has been in active service on the AW101 with the Royal Norwegian Airforce 330 Squadron since 2015. Partnership continues into the Canadian CH-149 Cormorant programme as part of the mid-life upgrade.
• CarteNavcoreTechnology or Integration · 19 January 2023Integration of ARTEMIS with CarteNav AIMS-ISR Mission Software. ARTEMIS data integrated into the AIMS mission system for aerial ISR operations, including integration with Safran EUROFLIR 410 EO/IR for automatic camera cueing.
• FlySightcoreTechnology or Integration · 8 November 2022Global integration of ARTEMIS with FlySight OpenSight Augmented Reality Engine for airborne missions. The integration combines OpenSIGHT-mc and ARTEMIS to optimise search results, reduce operator workload, and lead to more rapid positive outcomes. ARTEMIS detects mobile phones at extended ranges and integrates with FlySight's augmented reality system for enhanced situational awareness. This was the first collaboration between Italian-based FlySight and UK-based Smith Myers.
• Robotics Centre, Inc. (Ottawa)coreTechnology or Integration · 13 June 2022Partnership with Robotics Centre, Inc. for the ECHO UAV cellular geolocation payload based on Smith Myers ARTEMIS system. Paul Bowes transitioned from lead SIGINT payload developer/trainer at Robotics Centre to Technical Field Manager at Smith Myers, enabling close collaboration between the two organisations on UAS-based cellular detection.
• Nova SystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 19 January 2022ARTEMIS selected by Nova Systems for integration into the UKSAR2G programme (UK Search and Rescue 2nd Generation) drone system and for a European Coast Guard SAR contract. Nova Systems serves as the systems integrator.
• Teledyne FLIRcoreTechnology or IntegrationARTEMIS is the only payload of its type fully integrated, tested, and qualified by Teledyne FLIR for use on the SkyRanger R70 and R80D UAVs. Full hardware and software integration allowing ARTEMIS tracks to be overlaid on the pilot's screen and used as waypoints or to steer the on-board camera.
• SchiebelcoreTechnology or IntegrationARTEMIS fully integrated in the Schiebel S-100 CAMCOPTER. Full hardware and software integration tested and qualified by Schiebel. Together the combination provides unmatched capability for border and maritime patrol operations.
• DraganflymajorTechnology or IntegrationDraganfly drones featuring Smith Myers ARTEMIS MPDLS detection and location system deployed with Swedish search-and-rescue teams (announced January 2026 via Nasdaq press release). Draganfly's latest deployment of unmanned aerial systems enhances Swedish SAR capability through ARTEMIS integration.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Elbit Systems: Israeli defence electronics company with airborne ISR, EW, and SAR sensor suites. Comparable as a broader incumbent competing for airborne cellular detection and SAR mission equipment contracts across NATO and allied customers.
• Leonardo: Italian-headquartered helicopter OEM and defence electronics group. Comparable as both a key Smith Myers customer/partner (AW101 SAR Queen, CH-149 CMLU) and a broader incumbent in integrated SAR mission systems.
• Teledyne FLIR Defense: Provider of airborne EO/IR and unmanned sensor systems that integrates ARTEMIS onto SkyRanger R70/R80D UAVs. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the same airborne sensor and small-UAS payload ecosystem that Smith Myers serves.
• Thales: Global defence and aerospace prime with a significant airborne ISR, electronic warfare, and SAR communications portfolio. Comparable as a broader incumbent competing for the same airborne sensor and mission system integration budgets that Smith Myers targets via ARTEMIS.
• L3Harris Technologies: Major US defence prime with deep SIGINT and cellular geolocation capabilities (e.g., via the former Pen-Link and Exelis assets). Comparable as a broader incumbent competing for similar airborne/lawful-interception cellular intelligence contracts globally.
• Saab: Swedish defence and aerospace company with airborne surveillance, maritime patrol, and SAR sensor offerings. Comparable as a broader incumbent addressing overlapping airborne ISR and SAR procurement programmes in Europe and globally.
• HENSOLDT: European defence sensor house providing EuroNav mission management systems and ISR sensors. Comparable as a broader incumbent with overlapping airborne sensor and mission system offerings, while also being a current Smith Myers integration partner (EuroNav 7).
• Rohde & Schwarz: Large German technology group with a dedicated SIGINT and radiomonitoring portfolio including direction-finding and cellular detection equipment. Comparable as a broader incumbent offering overlapping airborne/land RF detection capabilities from a much larger installed base.

Emerging players

• Draganfly: Canadian commercial UAV manufacturer that integrates Smith Myers ARTEMIS onto drones for SAR customers (e.g., Swedish SAR teams, Jan 2026). Comparable as an emerging platform player whose commercial success in SAR drones is partly enabled by Smith Myers' payload.

Direct peers

• Septier Communications: Israel-based specialist in cellular detection, location, and intelligence solutions for law enforcement and security agencies. Most directly comparable to Smith Myers as a niche vendor of cellular geolocation products serving government and security customers worldwide.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/smith-myers-communications-ltd
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Smith Myers