AUSA 2026: IAI expands force protection and multi-layered C-UAS architecture with HawkGuard

Washington D.C., October 12, 2026 – Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a world-class aerospace and defense leader, is expanding its multi-layered Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) architecture with the unveiling of HawkGuard, a new active protection system that provides an additional layer of protection against drones and other aerial threats, at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C.

Guy Bar Lev, President and CEO of IAI: “The future of force protection will depend on the ability to respond rapidly and effectively to an increasingly diverse and evolving aerial threat. At IAI, our vision is to provide forces with a layered and adaptable defense architecture that protects them across the full spectrum of threats. HawkGuard is another step toward that vision, adding a kinetic interception capability to counter the growing challenge posed by drones”.

IAI’s multi-layered C-UAS architecture integrates advanced detection, identification, command and control, electronic warfare and interception capabilities. Designed to combine different sensors and effectors according to mission requirements, this architecture enables a coordinated response to evolving aerial threats.

HawkGuard introduces a new kinetic interception capability to this architecture. At its core is a radar and electro-optical sensing with AI-enabled command and control for detection and interceptor drones designed to neutralize the hostile aerial threats via direct kinetic interception, without an explosive warhead. This provides an additional interception option while avoiding the blast and secondary effects associated with conventional explosive interceptors.

Dror Bar, CEO of ELTA Systems and EVP at IAI: “Today’s aerial threat environment demands solutions that can adapt quickly to the threat, the mission and the operational setting. HawkGuard gives operators an additional tool within a broader layered defense concept, providing a flexible and cost-effective way to address drones and other localized aerial threats.”

Its compact and modular architecture enables to deploy HawkGuard on armored and other mobile platforms, as well as for the protection of fixed installations, strategic infrastructure and offshore assets.

HawkGuard recently completed a series of successful tests demonstrating its ability to detect, track and neutralize a range of drone threats, further advancing IAI’s multi-layer C-UAS capabilities in response to the rapid proliferation of drones and the evolving requirements of the modern battlefield.

photo courtesy IAI