The importance of strategic partnerships

At OSL, our core mission lies in delivering innovative Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) solutions that help us to create safer spaces. To achieve this, we're forging powerful partnerships with global innovators. Together, we can access the technology and experience needed to create the very best solutions – enhancing our approach in the process.

Below, read more about our strategic partners, how we're working together to create safer spaces, and the importance of measuring partnership success.

Our strategic partnerships

By working with leaders in technology, defence and research, we have been able to access unique and novel capabilities, as well as source opportunities to increase growth. Thales is a great example of this in action.

In 2021, we established a strategic partnership with Thales, supporting the organisation with civil CUAS deployments and assisting in new industry opportunities.

Since our initial involvement, we have embarked on multiple projects together. So far, the partnership has enhanced the experience and insight of both parties through taking part in dynamic collaborative opportunities. We've also engaged with new technologies and capabilities to deploy on an international scale.

Speaking on the partnership, OSL Business Development Manager Sam Lowe writes:

“The partnership between OSL and Thales has achieved tremendous success since being established in 2021. Working together, we have successfully introduced cutting-edge solutions on a global scale, and I'm filled with anticipation for the future of our collaboration. I can't wait to see what new opportunities and achievements lie ahead as we continue to work together.”

Project HADO®: leading a consortium of partners

Project HADO® demonstrated more than ever the importance of strategic partnerships.

Leading this innovative project involves working alongside a wide range of partners, subcontractors, and supporters – all providing the specialist insight and expertise needed to drive progress. From accessing advanced geospatial mapping technology to sophisticated drone-in-a-box capabilities, the full consortium of partners involved in Project HADO® includes:

• Heathrow Airport
• Cranfield University
• HeroTech8
• Carmenta
• UAVTEK
• Thales
• Dynamic Intelligence Solutions

Designed to enable autonomous multiple drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), we will have the opportunity to test HADO® in one of the most complex and dense environments in the world – Heathrow Airport – allowing us to support the future development of autonomous BVLOS commercial operations with multiple drones on a site that provides an accurate representation of smart cities.

Interested in learning more? Read how Project HADO® will change the way we use drones.

How we identify partnership opportunities

At OSL, we pride ourselves on partnering with leading enterprises, significantly impacting their industries. We also recognise the importance of valuable collaboration to create safer spaces globally. Partnered with global innovators, we can continuously evolve our services and technologies to provide the very best platform for the future of urban air mobility (UAM).

As part of this mission, we carefully examine every partnership opportunity to ensure not just that it is mutually beneficial and valuable, but that it is driven by a clear, tried-and-tested strategy.

This mutually beneficial approach is critical and can take a variety of forms. It may:

• Allow us to unlock new technological capabilities in exchange for the possibilities of new unique projects
• Provide a fresh perspective that enables both parties to improve technology
• Introduce new insights that allow those involved to overcome challenging barriers and discover new commercial opportunities

Measuring Partnership Success

Our partnerships may be project-based – taking place over a short time and confined to a specific objective – or they may be a long-term collaboration constantly scanning the horizon for opportunities.

Regardless of the length of involvement, we continually assess effectiveness and success. This process is designed to ensure that all parties are meeting the objectives, and gaining the value, initially established. Most importantly, it ensures that we continue to deliver leading solutions for our customers.

Creating safer spaces

Strategic partnerships are integral at OSL. They provide unique market opportunities, the chance to evolve our practices and technology, or even offer completely new ways to navigate a challenge.

If you would like to talk to us about a partnership opportunity, don't hesitate to get in touch today. We are always on the lookout for ways to develop and grow the capabilities that allow us to continue creating safer spaces.

In the meantime, you can read more of our latest insights on our full news page.