Honeywell Tested New SAMURAI System to Counter Drone Swarms for U.S. Military

Honeywell has taken a big step forward in modern defense technology by successfully demonstrating its Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept (SAMURAI) system to U.S. military operators. The trials showed the system in action both from a ground vehicle and from an aerostat more than 1,000 feet above the ground, proving that it can adapt to different battlefield conditions.

A New Answer to Drone Swarms

In today’s defense environment, drone swarms are seen as one of the most dangerous threats. Dozens of small drones working together can confuse radars, overwhelm defenses, and cause serious damage to high-value targets. Honeywell’s SAMURAI system is built exactly for this challenge.

Unlike traditional systems that may be limited to a fixed location, SAMURAI is flexible. It can protect both stationary assets like bases and towers as well as moving convoys and vehicles. This dual ability makes it stand out in the fast-evolving world of counter-UAS technology.

How the System Works

SAMURAI is designed with modularity and openness in mind. Instead of being locked into one set of tools, it allows militaries to combine different sensors, detectors, and countermeasures depending on their needs. For example, it can use:

• Radio frequency detectors to pick up drone communications.

• Light-based sensors and identification technologies to track drones visually.

• Counter-drones or other effectors to disable or destroy threats.

Because the system follows open standards, new technologies can be added quickly, ensuring it stays effective as drone threats evolve.

Smarter, Faster, and Scalable

A major strength of SAMURAI is the use of AI and advanced system engineering. The system can rapidly distinguish between real threats and harmless objects, giving operators confidence and saving critical decision-making time in fast encounters.

It’s also scalable—whether protecting a small base, a forward operating vehicle, or a large installation, SAMURAI can be adjusted to fit the mission.

Why It Matters

These successful demonstrations are more than just a technical test. They show that SAMURAI is reliable, field-ready, and capable of integrating into existing defense networks.

For the military, this means:

• Saving costs by reusing current sensors and effectors instead of starting from scratch.

• Faster upgrades, since new technology can be plugged into the system easily.

• One-stop maintenance, because Honeywell coordinates all parts of the system.

Built Through Collaboration

SAMURAI isn’t just a Honeywell creation—it brings together technology from several defense partners, including companies that specialize in sensors, drone detection, tracking systems, and counter-drone technologies. This cooperative approach ensures that the system benefits from the best expertise in each field.

What makes SAMURAI important is not just its technology, but its timing. Around the world, armed forces are preparing for a future where drone swarms are common on the battlefield. Systems that can quickly detect, track, and neutralize these threats will play a crucial role in keeping high-value targets safe.

Honeywell’s demonstrations prove that this isn’t just a concept—it’s a system that works today, in real conditions, and is ready for deployment both in the U.S. and internationally.