L3Harris and Shield AI demonstrate autonomous EW breakthrough

Florida-based L3Harris Technologies and Californian company Shield AI have successfully demonstrated a first of kind autonomous Electronic Warfare (EW) integration, combining L3Harris’ electromagnetic battle management ecosystem known as Distributed Spectrum Collaboration and Operations (DISCO) with Shield AI’s Hivemind mission-autonomy software. 

The joint effort marks a significant milestone in autonomous electronic warfare, says L3Harris Technologies in a media release, by showcasing how unmanned systems can detect, analyse and respond to electromagnetic threats in real time without human intervention.

“This demonstration validates our ability to rapidly deliver the AI-driven, multi-domain solutions our warfighters need now,” said Lauren Barnes, President, Spectrum Superiority, Communications and Spectrum Dominance, L3Harris. “By integrating autonomous decision-making with advanced battle management technology, we’re answering the Pentagon’s urgent call for coordinated command and control of multiple unmanned systems.”

The real-time, hardware-in-the-loop simulation involved DiSCO gathering and analysing threat intelligence from multiple unmanned aircraft systems to create a fused common operating picture of the electromagnetic spectrum, said L3Harris Technologies. The insights enabled the Hivemind-powered UAS to autonomously identify safe operating zones and execute tactical manoeuvres to achieve mission objectives.

“Electronic warfare moves at machine speed, and operational advantage depends on autonomy,” said Christian Gutierrez, Vice President, Hivemind Solutions, Shield AI. “Our integration with DiSCO shows that unmanned systems can sense and act across the electromagnetic spectrum in real time and we’re excited to build on this momentum with L3Harris and expand across the electronic warfare mission set.”

The demonstration also integrated an L3Harris electronic warfare vehicle, Green Wolf, equipped with electronic attack and other detection capabilities. Other elements of the test included the use of a software-defined radio payload that provided electronic support with Shield AI’s Hivemind software and UAS communications relay platform – all operating in an environment that replicated real-world conditions.

Both companies plan to conduct live flight testing later this year with actual radio frequency emitters, platforms and payloads for coordinated electronic warfare operations.