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Northrop Grumman Demonstrates AiON Counter-UAS System in Live Fire Testing
AiON proved autonomous counter-drone detection and engagement during live fire trials, enabling rapid deployment by U.S. defense organizations without further competition.
www.northropgrumman.com
AiON, Northrop Grumman's pioneering, cost-effective and low-risk counter unmanned aerial system command and control system, affordably thwarts threats from enemy and rogue unmanned systems (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)
The growing use of low-cost unmanned aerial systems has intensified threats to military forces, allies, and critical infrastructure, particularly from coordinated drone swarms. Addressing this challenge, Northrop Grumman has developed AiON, a counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) command and control solution designed to deliver cost-effective, rapidly deployable defense against hostile drones.
Proven Counter-UAS Performance
AiON recently completed a live fire demonstration under a prototype project with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). During testing at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, the system demonstrated autonomous counter-drone engagements using advanced decision-aid software and full system automation.
Across four engagements, AiON successfully detected, tracked, identified, and neutralized both simulated and real aerial targets. The system also demonstrated built-in safety mechanisms, including friendly air track avoidance, ensuring secure operation in complex airspace environments.
Open Architecture and Multi-Site Control
AiON’s command and control architecture enables operators to manage multiple locations remotely from a single interface. Its open, modular design supports rapid integration of new sensors, effectors, and application programming interfaces, allowing the system to adapt quickly to evolving unmanned threats.
This flexibility positions AiON as a scalable solution for countering diverse UAS types while maintaining low integration risk and reduced operational cost.
Path to Operational Deployment
Following the successful demonstration, U.S. Department of War organizations are now authorized to award follow-on production transactions for AiON without additional competitive processes. This accelerates the transition from prototype to operational deployment.
According to Northrop Grumman, the system’s performance highlights its readiness for broader adoption by domestic and international customers seeking autonomous, resilient counter-drone capabilities.
www.northropgrumman.com
The growing use of low-cost unmanned aerial systems has intensified threats to military forces, allies, and critical infrastructure, particularly from coordinated drone swarms. Addressing this challenge, Northrop Grumman has developed AiON, a counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) command and control solution designed to deliver cost-effective, rapidly deployable defense against hostile drones.
Proven Counter-UAS Performance
AiON recently completed a live fire demonstration under a prototype project with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). During testing at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, the system demonstrated autonomous counter-drone engagements using advanced decision-aid software and full system automation.
Across four engagements, AiON successfully detected, tracked, identified, and neutralized both simulated and real aerial targets. The system also demonstrated built-in safety mechanisms, including friendly air track avoidance, ensuring secure operation in complex airspace environments.
Open Architecture and Multi-Site Control
AiON’s command and control architecture enables operators to manage multiple locations remotely from a single interface. Its open, modular design supports rapid integration of new sensors, effectors, and application programming interfaces, allowing the system to adapt quickly to evolving unmanned threats.
This flexibility positions AiON as a scalable solution for countering diverse UAS types while maintaining low integration risk and reduced operational cost.
Path to Operational Deployment
Following the successful demonstration, U.S. Department of War organizations are now authorized to award follow-on production transactions for AiON without additional competitive processes. This accelerates the transition from prototype to operational deployment.
According to Northrop Grumman, the system’s performance highlights its readiness for broader adoption by domestic and international customers seeking autonomous, resilient counter-drone capabilities.
www.northropgrumman.com
