- Axon Vision and Leonardo DRS signed a cooperation agreement to develop AI-enabled situational awareness and Counter-UAS solutions for U.S. defense programs.
- The partnership integrates Axon’s AI perception with Leonardo DRS’ sensors and mission systems for manned and unmanned ground platforms.
Axon Vision has entered into a new strategic cooperation agreement with Leonardo DRS to jointly pursue opportunities in advanced situational awareness, lethality, and survivability technologies for the U.S. defense market. The companies made the announcement on Monday, outlining their intention to co-develop next-generation combat systems with a strong focus on Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS).
According to the announcement, the partnership will combine Leonardo DRS’ experience in advanced sensor integration with Axon Vision’s AI-based perception and autonomy solutions, creating scalable platforms for force protection and modernization programs.
The two companies signed a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formalize the relationship, expanding on earlier collaborative efforts. Under the agreement, both firms will focus on delivering turnkey combat solutions capable of processing high-bandwidth sensor data, enabling automated threat recognition and engagement in real time.
In a statement, Leonardo DRS said the combined effort is aimed at supporting next-generation mission packages that include radar, electro-optical, and infrared sensors, as well as rugged AI-ready processors and both kinetic and non-kinetic effectors.
“We are excited to solidify our relationship with Axon by integrating advanced mission equipment packages with their AI-driven Counter-UAS and smart RCWS capabilities,” said Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Systems business unit. “It represents a decisive leap forward in manned and unmanned ground combat effectiveness.”
Axon Vision, an Israeli firm known for its autonomous perception technologies, brings experience in applying AI for automated situational awareness and targeting. Ido Rozenberg, the company’s president, CTO, and co-founder, emphasized the importance of this new collaboration for expansion into the U.S. defense market.
“We are proud to partner with Leonardo DRS, a trusted and highly capable leader in the U.S. defense industry,” Rozenberg said. “This collaboration marks a significant step in bringing Axon Vision’s advanced AI solutions to the U.S. defense market. Together, we are delivering a true powerhouse solution for combat vehicles, combining world-class sensing and integration with cutting-edge AI to enhance lethality, survivability, and overall battlefield dominance.”
The companies recently demonstrated their joint capabilities at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual exposition. The event showcased unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) platforms outfitted with modular, reconfigurable Leonardo DRS mission payloads and integrated Axon Vision AI for aerial threat detection and remote weapon station (RCWS) operations.
The system demonstrated real-time aerial threat tracking, automated response options, and improved crew situational awareness—all central to modern battlefield requirements. The combined offering is designed to support autonomous or man-on-the-loop operations and is compatible with a range of manned and unmanned vehicle platforms.