Honeywell Aerospace and Odys Aviation have partnered to develop a new airborne counter-UAS system aimed at protecting critical infrastructure from evolving drone threats.
The system combines Honeywell’s Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept (SAMURAI) platform with Odys Aviation’s Laila UAV, creating a persistent airborne layer intended to complement existing ground-based and high-end air defense systems.
According to the companies, the system has been under development for more than a year and is designed to address gaps in coverage across large or remote areas such as energy infrastructure and offshore facilities. By operating as an airborne detection and interception layer, it is intended to reduce reliance on more costly kinetic defenses.
“SAMURAI delivers critical counter-UAS capabilities with proven reliability, scalability and seamless integration into existing defense architectures,” said Matt Milas, President, Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace. “By leveraging Honeywell’s long history in avionics, sensors and defense systems, we are enabling C-UAS capabilities that protect farther, respond faster and operate with minimal downtime.”
The Laila UAV serves as the host platform, offering up to eight hours of endurance and a range of approximately 450 miles. Its hybrid propulsion system can operate on multiple fuel types and does not require runway infrastructure, allowing deployment in austere environments.
James Dorris, CEO of Odys Aviation, said the system reflects changing operational demands:
“Drone threats have fundamentally changed the economics and operational requirements of air defense. Critical infrastructure and forward-operating locations require persistent protection across large areas and the ability to engage threats at the horizon long before they’re at the doorstep.”
The SAMURAI system is designed as a modular solution capable of integrating different sensors and effectors, with an emphasis on interoperability within existing defense networks.
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Post Image Credit: Odys via LinkedIn
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