Defense company SNC (Sierra Nevada Company) and software developer Applied Intuition announced on Tuesday, December 2, an agreed partnership aimed at "accelerating deliveries of next-generation autonomous defense technologies," details of which are shared in Applied Intuition's press release.
They emphasize that the company is creating digital infrastructure that will be useful for "all machines moving on the front line," so within the partnership framework they plan to provide the military with ready-to-operate autonomous systems as quickly as possible, integrating their own software onto "SNC's field-proven systems in various domains."
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However, as emphasized, their work will primarily focus on "tasks of local missile defense and counter-unmanned aerial vehicle operations" meaning that the high level of autonomy for air defense systems will positively impact response time, and also reduce risks for military personnel themselves, who will be able to control air defense systems in less dangerous locations.
So in the near future, the companies will work on automating Expeditionary Area Air Defense (EAAD) systems. In simple terms the complex will be placed on a chassis that will operate autonomously thanks to software from Applied Intuition. Other project details timelines, quantities, costs, etc. are not yet being disclosed.
However, there's an interesting nuance in this news what's hidden under SNC-manufactured EAAD systems is the BRAWLR air defense complex a sort of air defense truck for various missiles including R-27, APKWS, AIM-9M, etc., which may well be in service with Ukraine's Defense Forces.
As SNC previously reported, this ground-based air defense complex has been used by one operator for two years already, and during that time has already intercepted over 400 air targets. And although the country where SNC delivered its BRAWLR is not disclosed, given the number of targets, it's highly likely Ukraine.
Therefore, it will indeed be an interesting experience if, after all necessary tests and refinements, the already autonomous BRAWLR air defense truck heads to Ukraine for combat trials even directly on the front line, where it will operate without crew risk, and therefore can participate in very, very risky missions of course, with the nuance regarding risks of losing a probably relatively expensive vehicle.
Defense Express previously reported that Rheinmetall will open new Skyranger turret production plants in 3 countries in response to growing demand for these Shahed killers.
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