L3Harris is expanding the role of tactical communications systems with the introduction of Wraith Shield, an AI-driven RF sensing upgrade that converts combat radios into distributed counter-drone detection platforms.
The software enhancement enables existing tactical radios to detect and analyze radio frequency signals associated with small attack drones, creating an integrated battlefield sensing network without requiring dedicated standalone hardware.
L3Harris Product Management Director Rob Mariuz described Wraith Shield as the first radio-sensing solution capable of operating across distributed data networks.
Through this architecture, every soldier equipped with a compatible radio effectively becomes part of a shared drone detection grid, contributing RF sensing data to a unified battlefield picture. The capability is designed to complement layered defense systems such as VAMPIRE, while also retaining independent operational functionality.
AI-Driven Electromagnetic Awareness
The system leverages visualization technology developed by DataShapes AI to help soldiers monitor and interpret electromagnetic activity around their operational area.
Powered by the GlobalEdge platform, Wraith Shield processes RF data locally at the tactical edge, eliminating dependence on centralized servers or cloud-based infrastructure for real-time analysis.
The software identifies and categorizes RF signatures from connected devices before displaying threat information directly to users, improving situational awareness and response times against aerial threats.
Broad Integration Across Existing Systems
Wraith Shield will first be deployed on the RF-9820S Compact Team Radio platform, with an integrated version for the RF-9820S-ER expected to enter service later this year.
The capability will also be introduced as a software upgrade for all tactical radios compatible with the legacy Wraith architecture, extending AI-enabled RF sensing functions to more than 100,000 radios already in military service.
