Following a joint R&D program led by the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) in the Israel Ministry of Defense, with leading drone developer, XTEND, and the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO), of the U.S. Department of Defense, an operational pilot program has launched employing SKYLORD drones in defense of U.S. military forces. As a result of the close cooperation between the institutions involved, the system has been developed in accordance with concrete operational requirements. As such, following a year of R&D and various tests, the CTTSO decided to launch an operational pilot program, testing and validating the system’s capabilities in the field. As part of the pilot program, several dozen SKYLORD systems will be employed by U.S. troops.
Using an AR (augmented reality) device and a single-handed controller, a military operator may employ the SKYLORD system to control the drone and perform complex tasks remotely, with great ease and precision. Its interface enables the operator to immerse themselves or “step into” a remote reality and engage targets effectively yet safely. With minimal training and no expertise required, troops enjoy a full sensory situation assessment and may utilize C-UAV net payloads on the battlefield. The system’s capabilities have been demonstrated in Israel, with confirmed interceptions of incendiary devices flown over the Gaza border by terrorist organizations.The program has produced a drone system with an immersive remote interface that protects troops from various inbound aerial threats – particularly drones.
“This joint activity implements novel technological capabilities taken from the field of AR, from the world of gaming,” said Lt. Col. Menachem Landau, Head of the UAV Branch in the DDR&D of the Ministry of Defense. “It enables the troops of both nations to employ intuitive, battle-proven and precise systems, following a minimal training period, to engage hostile flying objects such as drones. We look forward to expanding our collaboration with our partners in the CTTSO of the U.S. Department of Defense in developing advanced technology to protect troops and enhance operational capabilities.”
“We have established amazing partnerships in the development, and fielding this product for the operational end-user, said XTEND CEO Aviv Shapira. “The SKYLORD is one of the world’s most advanced C-UAS Hard Kill solution, and the XTEND team is thrilled at the opportunity to deploy our systems in operational missions – and to protect the lives of both U.S. & IDF combat soldiers.”
This operational pilot program is the first step towards the widespread deployment of smart systems to U.S. military forces, enabling them to perform complex tasks in the modern battlefield while minimizing risk. It is also one of the most significant and successful areas of cooperation between the DDR&D and its American partners, highlighting the crucial and extraordinary relations between our respective defense establishments.
