Honeywell Aerospace Develops Advanced Counter-Drone System
Counter-drone technology amalgamates an array of tools—such as radar, cameras, and radio-frequency sensors—to detect, track, and identify potential aerial threats.
Honeywell Aerospace’s innovative SAMURAI system aims to unify data from these diverse sources within a singular, cohesive interface.
This groundbreaking system harnesses the power of UNITAS, Honeywell Aerospace’s proprietary battle-management software, designed to amalgamate sensors and effectors from various manufacturers seamlessly.
“No single solution can address the vast range of threats we face today,” noted retired Air Force Colonel Tom Konicki, who oversees business development for Honeywell Aerospace.
The spectrum of threats encompasses everything from recreational drones intruding upon no-fly zones to unmanned aerial vehicles capable of executing attacks on military facilities and critical infrastructure.
Konicki emphasized that effective counter-drone systems must be equipped to detect, track, identify, classify, and neutralize drones, irrespective of the operator’s intentions.
“The danger is immediate and pressing,” he stressed.
While “SAMURAI” stands for Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept, the name “UNITAS” is inspired by the legendary footballer Johnny Unitas, rather than being an acronym.
Counter-drone systems integrate various types of equipment. Radar provides long-range detection of objects, while radio-frequency sensors capture signals emitted by drones or their controllers.
Remote identification systems are capable of collecting identifying information from compliant drones, whereas electro-optical and infrared cameras enable closer inspection. Additionally, acoustic sensors are instrumental in detecting the telltale sounds of drones.
Depending on the specific threat and available apparatus, counter-drone systems can also deploy electronic warfare, directed-energy weapons, traditional arms, or interceptor drones to neutralize airborne threats.
Certain systems utilize nets designed to entrap drones, mitigating the risk of debris impacting people or property below.
Konicki revealed that operators managing some counter-drone systems often navigate six, seven, or even eight disparate displays dedicated to radar, cameras, radio-frequency sensors, jamming tools, and additional functionalities.
Such multitasking can overwhelm operators contending with multiple streams of information concurrently. UNITAS addresses this challenge by streamlining the operational experience into a singular interface.
“We refer to it as a single pane of glass,” explained Konicki. “Multiple sensors can collectively identify a drone, feeding that data into our software.”
The interface has been explicitly designed for simplicity, catering to operators, including younger service personnel who may not possess extensive experience with the various integrated technologies.
Honeywell Aerospace has already showcased the software to representatives from the U.S. government and military, as well as local law enforcement and municipal officials.
The software adopts an open-architecture framework, facilitating the integration of existing equipment into the system, thus alleviating the need for clients to purchase entirely new systems from a single vendor.
“We’re not compelling them to invest in new hardware,” asserted Konicki. “We can work with the tools they already possess.”
Clients have the flexibility to select equipment that suits their particular needs and update components as detection technologies and countermeasures progress.
Konicki elaborated that Honeywell Aerospace collaborates with other firms to integrate their technologies, sidestepping reliance on a single supplier’s offerings.
The company prioritizes equipment that is proven and operationally viable over untested innovations.
During the recent Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting, Honeywell Aerospace unveiled a conceptual model of the mobile configuration mounted on a Ford F-150 truck, dubbed the “Green Beast.”
Furthermore, Honeywell Aerospace is in the process of developing an airborne iteration of SAMURAI in collaboration with Odys Aviation.
The partnership, announced in March 2026, seeks to adapt the system for integration with Odys’ long-range Laila uncrewed aircraft, building upon over a year of joint development efforts.
This endeavor aims to extend the capabilities of SAMURAI beyond terrestrial and mobile configurations.
Konicki indicated that SAMURAI could also be tailored for fixed-site defense and maritime operations. Depending on operational requirements, clients may opt to position equipment around a structure or deployment area, utilize mobile configurations for temporary defense at events, or distribute sensors across wide-ranging locations to ensure comprehensive coverage.
In a separate announcement made on October 12, Honeywell Aerospace revealed that its subsidiary, EMS Defense Technologies, has been awarded a counter-drone contract vehicle by the Department of Homeland Security.
This five-year, multiple-award contract has a ceiling of $1.5 billion, was awarded on July 31, and became effective on August 1.
Konicki affirmed that Honeywell Aerospace collaborates with international allies, including Lithuania, Slovakia, and Colombia, and is capable of integrating locally sourced solutions when customers require specific sensors or effectors.
For clients safeguarding air bases or other critical sites, Konicki stated that the company can conduct assessments to determine optimal placements for radar, cameras, and additional sensors to maximize surveillance coverage.
The company’s strategic planning approach allows it to map coverage areas, pinpoint vulnerabilities, and suggest necessary adjustments.
Konicki described a red-team assessment that evaluates potential drone launch points and their implications for site defense.
This meticulous analysis assists clients in configuring their sensor placement and other system components tailored to their unique locales and specific threats.
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