GBL and NSWC PHD to Advance AI-Enabled Fire Defense
CAMARILLO, Calif. — GBL Systems Corporation (GBL), an advanced engineering and artificial intelligence company serving the Department of War (DoW), has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) to research and demonstrate AI-enabled technologies designed to detect fire risk earlier, predict fire behavior, and support a faster, more coordinated response.
The collaboration will initially focus on protecting Navy installations, ranges, and other mission-critical assets from fire. The underlying technologies also have potential civilian applications in wildfire-prone urban communities, where early warning and coordinated response can help protect people, property, and critical infrastructure.
In addition, under the agreement, GBL and NSWC PHD will evaluate how artificial intelligence, autonomy, sensor fusion, modeling, and predictive analytics can strengthen infrastructure resilience in various other DoW use cases.
“Fire does not wait, and the systems we rely on to detect and respond to it must operate faster than the speed of the threat,” said Jim Buscemi, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of GBL Systems Corporation. “For more than three decades, GBL has developed technologies for demanding operational environments. Through this collaboration with NSWC PHD, we are applying that experience to help protect the people, infrastructure, and property that our military and communities depend on.”
This cooperative effort supports NSWC PHD’s engineering mission by accelerating the development and transition of innovative solutions that enhance the readiness, resilience, and lifecycle sustainment of Navy systems and shore infrastructure. Established in 1963, NSWC PHD is recognized as the Navy’s center of excellence for in-service engineering, test and evaluation, and integrated product support for surface warfare systems. The division brings extensive technical expertise, specialized facilities, and fleet-support experience to the collaboration.
Under the CRADA, GBL will contribute its technical expertise and AI Fire Defense prototype systems, while NSWC PHD provides access to test facilities and helps define the real-world use cases needed to mature the technology and validate it in relevant environments. The four-year agreement establishes a framework for a series of joint demonstrations and technical evaluations, beginning with an initial demonstration planned for September 2026 as part of the Navy's Advanced Naval Technology Exercise – Coastal Trident 2026 (ANTX CT26).
The work is also expected to inform dual-use applications with clear civilian value, including the protection of power infrastructure and communities in wildfire-prone regions.
About GBL Systems Corporation
GBL Systems Corporation is a U.S.-based advanced engineering and technology company specializing in artificial intelligence, autonomy, avionics, and mission-critical systems integration. For more than three decades, GBL has supported Department of War Naval Base Ventura County customers with high-reliability solutions designed to operate in complex and demanding environments. GBL is headquartered in Camarillo, California.
About Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division
Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division is a premier Navy engineering and technical organization responsible for in-service engineering, test and evaluation, and integrated logistics support for naval surface warfare and weapon systems. Established in 1963, NSWC PHD supports the readiness and lifecycle sustainment of the fleet’s combat and weapon systems.
Media Contact
Jerry Meyer
Vice President, Sales and Marketing
GBL Systems Corporation
757.581.3426
jmeyer@gblsys.com
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