Honeywell has partnered with Odys Aviation to develop an airborne counter-drone system that expands protection for critical infrastructure and strategic assets beyond traditional ground-based defenses. The solution combines Honeywell’s SAMURAI counter-UAS system with Odys Aviation’s Laila hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft.
Following more than a year of integration work, SAMURAI has been adapted for airborne use, creating an additional defensive layer between ground sensors and missile defense systems. The modular architecture enables detection, tracking, and neutralization of drones using a mix of sensors, long-range communications, command-and-control systems, and both electronic and kinetic countermeasures.
The system integrates radio-frequency and electro-optical technologies and can deploy interceptor drones to address swarm threats. Honeywell states that SAMURAI delivers scalable and reliable counter-drone capabilities, while its AI-driven features enhance threat detection and enable accurate differentiation between drones and background noise.
Initially developed to protect US Air Force convoys, SAMURAI can identify threats at distance and respond quickly without disrupting operations. Its integration with the Laila VTOL platform extends coverage to wider and more remote regions.
The Laila aircraft, powered by a hybrid system compatible with multiple fuel types, offers up to eight hours of endurance and a range of about 450 miles (724 km). Its ability to operate without dedicated charging infrastructure supports rapid deployment in remote, expeditionary, and offshore settings.
