Airbus Defence and Space and Alta Ares have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop and integrate next-generation AI-powered counter-drone capabilities, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern air defence systems.

The partnership combines Airbus' expertise in battle management and command-and-control software with Alta Ares' battlefield-proven counter-UAS technologies and onboard AI capabilities. The companies aim to create a more integrated sensor-to-shooter chain capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising aerial threats in real time.

At the centre of the collaboration is the integration of Alta Ares' AI-powered systems into Airbus' Fortion Integrated Battle Management Software (IBMS) and surface-to-air missile operation centre solutions. The approach is designed to provide operators with a unified operational picture and faster decision-making in increasingly complex threat environments.

Alta Ares' technologies, which have been deployed operationally in Ukraine since 2024, include the Pixel Lock AI platform, the Black Bird medium-range interceptor and the X-Lock short-range counter-drone system. By combining software intelligence with interceptor capabilities, the companies seek to strengthen Europe's ability to counter emerging drone and missile threats.

The collaboration reflects a broader trend across the defence sector, where AI is increasingly being used to improve threat recognition, target prioritisation, battlefield awareness and autonomous defence operations. As drone warfare continues to evolve, AI-enabled systems are expected to play a critical role in helping military forces respond to large volumes of fast-moving aerial threats.