- Zone 5 Technologies selected Echodyne’s EchoFlight radar for its Paladin counter-UAS interceptor, now listed on the Department of War’s Blue UAS Cleared List.
- The radar provides Paladin with real-time airspace awareness and autonomous drone tracking capabilities.
Echodyne, a radar technology company based in Washington state, announced today that California-based Zone 5 Technologies has selected its radar system for integration into the Paladin Low Collateral Effects Interceptor (LCEI), an autonomous counter-drone solution.
The Paladin is the first drone of its kind to be added to the Department of War’s Blue UAS Cleared List, signaling formal approval for deployment across U.S. defense platforms.
Zone 5 Technologies, founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California, specializes in unmanned aerial systems and battlefield technology. According to the company, Paladin is an autonomous interceptor drone designed to engage hostile unmanned systems with minimal risk to surrounding assets or personnel. It features a swappable payload and a built-in battle management system.
Zone 5 selected Echodyne’s EchoFlight airborne MESA radar to provide the Paladin with real-time airspace situational awareness. The radar’s compact design, low power requirements, and high tracking precision were cited as key reasons for its selection.
“The UAS threat is evolving at an unprecedented pace on today’s battlefield. At Zone 5, our mission is to provide warfighters with Counter-UAS solutions that protect them not only from today’s challenges, but from the threats of tomorrow,” said Kyle Woo, Director of Multi-Mission Systems at Zone 5. “Echodyne has consistently delivered on their promise—radars with unmatched reliability, superior performance, and the adaptability to keep pace with our adversaries.”
Mounted on the front of the Paladin, the EchoFlight radar feeds the drone’s autonomous flight control and targeting algorithms. It provides critical data to enable precise tracking and interception of adversary drones.
Zone 5 has also deployed EchoShield, Echodyne’s medium-range ground-based radar, as part of the Paladin operating ecosystem. EchoShield delivers low-altitude drone detection to complement onboard systems and support real-time situational awareness and decision-making.
In a statement, Echodyne emphasized the growing importance of radar-enabled autonomy in UAS operations.
“Echodyne is excited to work alongside Zone 5 to improve mission outcomes and enhance warfighter safety in a rapidly evolving battlefield flooded with drone threats,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “As the UAS threat continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, integrating Echodyne radars with cutting-edge solutions like Zone 5’s Paladin is how we win on the modern battlefield.”
By integrating Echodyne’s radar technology, Zone 5’s Paladin enhances its ability to detect, track, and neutralize drone threats in dynamic environments, including urban and high-clutter airspace.
Paladin is aimed at missions requiring low collateral effects, including base defense, critical infrastructure protection, and tactical field deployment, where precision engagement is essential.