MELBOURNE, Fla., Sept. 22, 2025 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) and Shield AI successfully demonstrated an artificial intelligence-enabled drone detection system during the Department of War’s recent Technology Readiness Experimentation event.
This test event showed the system can more quickly detect hostile drones at longer ranges than current systems, even if the drones are partially obscured by buildings or clouds. L3Harris tested the passive capabilities using WESCAM MX™-Series electro-optical/infrared sensors integrated with Shield AI’s Tracker counter-UAS software to detect multiple classes of unmanned aerial systems.
“Our warfighters and allies are facing a new breed of unmanned threats that require faster responses at greater ranges without being detected themselves,” said Tom Kirkland, Vice President and General Manager, Targeting and Sensor Systems, L3Harris. “Partnering with Shield AI enables combat-proven targeting systems like the WESCAM MX-Series to be more effective and provide added protection to operators.”
“Adversaries are fielding more drones, cheaper and in more complex environments than ever before,” said Christian Gutierrez, Vice President, Hivemind Solutions, Shield AI. “Defeating that threat requires technology that is intelligent, adaptable and passive, and this collaboration with L3Harris brings together the strengths of autonomy and sensing to meet that urgent operational need.”
The next phase of this collaboration will include fine-tuning different airborne object behavior models to enhance performance tracking across air, land and maritime domains during daytime and nighttime operations. The AI-powered capability will be integrated with the L3Harris VAMPIRE™ Counter-Unmanned System designed to defend against small drones.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Visit L3Harris.com for more information.
About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
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