IRIA News

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L3Harris Technologies and Shield AI successfully demonstrated a new integration designed to advance autonomous electronic warfare capabilities. The demonstration combined L3Harris’ Distributed Spectrum Collaboration and Operations system, known as DiSCO, with Shield AI’s Hivemind mission-autonomy software.

The joint effort showed how unmanned systems can detect, analyze, and respond to electromagnetic threats in real time without human intervention. According to the companies, the test marks a significant step toward autonomous electronic warfare operations.

The demonstration used a real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation designed to replicate operational conditions. Multiple unmanned aircraft systems were deployed in the simulated environment to collect threat data across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Information gathered by the unmanned aircraft was processed by the DiSCO system. The system fused the collected data and generated a common operating picture of the electromagnetic environment.

The integrated data was then used by unmanned aircraft running Hivemind autonomy software. These systems were able to analyze the information and autonomously determine safe operating zones while executing tactical maneuvers to complete mission objectives.

The test highlighted how autonomous platforms can operate together while continuously monitoring and reacting to changes in the electromagnetic environment.

AI and Modern Electronic Warfare

Lauren Barnes, President of Spectrum Superiority, Communications, and Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris, said the demonstration highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in electronic warfare operations.

“This demonstration validates our ability to rapidly deliver the AI-driven, multi-domain solutions our warfighters need now.”

Barnes added that integrating autonomous decision-making with advanced battle management systems is becoming increasingly important as militaries work to coordinate multiple unmanned platforms in complex operational environments.

“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.”

Several additional electronic warfare technologies were also included in the demonstration environment. One of the key systems was the L3Harris Green Wolf electronic warfare vehicle, which is equipped with electronic attack and threat detection capabilities.

The test also incorporated a software-defined radio payload designed to provide electronic support functions during the simulated scenario. The payload worked alongside Shield AI’s Hivemind software and a communications relay platform used by unmanned aircraft systems.

Together, these systems operated in a simulated environment designed to replicate real-world operational conditions. The integrated setup allowed the platforms to collect electromagnetic data, process it in real time, and execute coordinated responses to potential threats.

Autonomy Operating at Machine Speed

Christian Gutierrez, Vice President of Hivemind Solutions at Shield AI, said the demonstration reflects how quickly the electronic warfare domain is evolving. “Electronic warfare moves at machine speed, and operational advantage depends on autonomy.”

He added that the integration shows how unmanned systems can operate across the electromagnetic spectrum while responding to threats in real time.

“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.”

Next Phase of Testing

Following the simulation-based demonstration, both companies plan to continue developing the integrated system. The next phase of testing will involve live flight demonstrations scheduled for later this year.

These tests will involve actual radio-frequency emitters, operational platforms, and mission payloads. The goal is to validate the technology in more realistic conditions and further develop coordinated electronic warfare capabilities using autonomous systems.

The companies say the effort is intended to support future multi-domain military operations. By combining autonomous unmanned systems with advanced electromagnetic battle management tools, the technology aims to improve how armed forces detect, analyze, and respond to threats in the electromagnetic spectrum.

L3Harris focuses on delivering defense technologies that connect operations across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. Shield AI specializes in artificial intelligence software designed to enable the autonomous operation of unmanned platforms.

The companies say continued development of the DiSCO and Hivemind integration will expand the role of autonomous systems in electronic warfare missions and help improve coordination between multiple unmanned platforms operating in contested environments.