German company Rheinmetall and American company Anduril partner to develop AI-powered drone defense systems.

On June 19, 2024, the German company Rheinmetall and the US company Anduril Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Eurosatory 2024 to collaborate on developing multi-layered air defense systems against small drones, targeting the European market. This partnership will merge Rheinmetall's Skymaster guidance system and high-performance guns with Anduril's Lattice AI software and modular hardware, aiming to provide new counter-small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS).
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The Skynex system, incorporating the Skymaster Battle Management System, features an open and modular design that supports integration with different types of sensors and effectors, including advanced technologies such as the High Energy Laser system and the C-PGM/RAM missile. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence AG, stated that the cooperation will produce an innovative C-sUAS system, combining Rheinmetall's military competencies and Anduril's development speed. He expressed confidence that this combination will meet future needs and provide the right solution to the market at the right time.

Greg Kausner, Senior Vice President of Global Defence at Anduril, noted the evolving nature of modern warfare and the need for adaptive defense systems. He pointed out that the pace of warfare is accelerating in line with technological development. Armed forces worldwide must address a rapidly evolving threat landscape posed by both new unmanned systems and older manned platforms. Kausner emphasized that air defense systems require a multi-layered approach that is flexible, adaptable, and rapidly deployable. He asserted that the partnership between Anduril and Rheinmetall will offer a software-defined and hardware-enabled C-sUAS system to help customers stay ahead of the drone threat.

Rheinmetall's Skymaster system is a command and control solution designed for air defense, offering the integration of multiple sensors and effectors to provide a comprehensive air picture. It features a modular architecture, allowing for the integration of legacy systems like the Oerlikon Skyguard and Skyshield fire units. This flexibility enables the system to be customized for various mission requirements, supporting tactical and operational air defense networks at all command levels.

The Skynex system, incorporating the Skymaster Battle Management System, is one of Rheinmetall's latest developments in short-range air defense systems. It features an open and modular design that supports integration with different types of sensors and effectors, including advanced technologies such as the High Energy Laser system and the C-PGM/RAM missile. These components enhance the Skynex's capability to address modern aerial threats, such as drones and precision-guided munitions, with increased resistance to saturation attacks. The Skynex Multi Sensor Unit, part of the advanced sensor grid, provides detailed target acquisition and tracking, contributing to a robust defense against diverse threat scenarios.

Anduril's Lattice AI is a software platform developed to enhance defense and security operations by integrating data from various sensors and systems into a single, cohesive interface. Designed to be sensor, network, and system agnostic, Lattice collects and processes data from diverse sources such as drones, cameras, and other sensors, providing real-time situational awareness and decision support across land, sea, and air domains. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to filter and analyze data, facilitating faster response times and more efficient resource deployment.

A notable feature of Lattice is its capability to enable a single operator to manage multiple autonomous systems simultaneously. This is accomplished through AI-driven mission autonomy functions that allocate tasks among unmanned systems based on the operator's intent. Lattice's open architecture supports integration with various third-party technologies and legacy systems, making it adaptable for different mission requirements. It has been utilized in applications such as border security, critical infrastructure protection, wildfire detection, and military operations. This system automates complex tasks and aims to improve operational efficiency in modern defense and security contexts.