MELBOURNE, Florida — May 15, 2026 : L3Harris Technologies has unveiled Wraith Shield, a new software-defined counter-drone capability designed to convert existing tactical radios into systems capable of detecting, classifying and jamming first-person view (FPV) drones and other small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) without requiring additional hardware.
The capability was developed in partnership with DataShapes AI and is intended to provide frontline troops with an integrated electronic warfare tool using equipment already deployed across military formations.
Software Upgrade Adds Counter-Drone Capability
Wraith Shield operates by using the radio-frequency (RF) data already collected by tactical communication radios. The software scans the electromagnetic environment in real time, detects drone control signals and sends threat information directly to operators through their existing communication devices.
DataShapes AI’s GlobalEdge platform provides the edge-native artificial intelligence layer that processes and classifies incoming RF signals locally at the tactical edge, eliminating the need for centralized cloud-based processing.
Once a hostile drone signal is identified, operators can initiate jamming of the drone’s control link directly from the radio interface. According to the companies, the process significantly shortens the time between threat detection and electronic engagement by combining sensing and response functions within a single battlefield device.
Initial Deployment on AN/PRC-171 Radios
The software capability is built on L3Harris’ Wraith wideband waveform, which was originally developed to provide secure and resilient tactical communications in contested electronic warfare environments.
Wraith Shield will initially be fielded on the AN/PRC-171 Compact Team Radio, also known as the RF-9820S, along with its embeddable RF-9820S-ER configuration later in 2026.
Following the initial rollout, the software will be expanded across the broader Falcon IV family of Wraith-compatible radios, including the AN/PRC-158C, AN/PRC-163 and AN/PRC-167 tactical radio systems.
L3Harris stated that the software upgrade could eventually be integrated into more than 100,000 tactical radios already fielded by the United States military, NATO members, Five Eyes partners and allied nations.
Distributed Counter-UAS Network
When multiple Wraith Shield-equipped radios are connected together, the system can function as a distributed sensor and electronic attack network.
The current software version can coordinate simultaneous jamming operations across up to 40 connected radios, while future upgrades are planned to increase that capacity to approximately 100 synchronized units.
The networked capability is designed to feed data into broader command-and-control and battlefield management architectures, including MissionOps tactical network management systems, hC2 battle management suites and layered air defense platforms such as the VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
No Additional Hardware or Training Required
L3Harris emphasized that the capability does not require new antennas, batteries or external electronic warfare equipment. Instead, Wraith Shield uses the existing transmitters and hardware already carried by infantry personnel.
The company stated that the software upgrade adds no additional physical weight or logistical burden to frontline troops and can be operated through existing radio interfaces without requiring separate operator training.
Chris Aebli, president of Mission Critical Communications at L3Harris, said the capability can be integrated at a cost in the single-digit thousands of dollars per radio.
Response to Growing FPV Drone Threats
The development of Wraith Shield comes amid increasing military focus on countering low-cost FPV drones, which have emerged as a major battlefield threat in recent conflicts, particularly during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
L3Harris said its Rapid Prototyping Group began developing the capability last year in response to the growing operational use of commercial and improvised drone systems in combat zones.
The announcement reflects a broader industry trend toward software-defined electronic warfare and counter-UAS solutions that leverage existing military hardware instead of relying solely on dedicated counter-drone platforms.
The company noted that Wraith Shield can operate both as a standalone counter-drone capability against commercial drone command links and as part of larger integrated electronic warfare and layered air defense architectures.
The release also follows previous L3Harris initiatives focused on software-defined autonomous systems, including the development of software architectures capable of coordinating large-scale drone swarm operations for future military applications.
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