Defense contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation and autonomy software firm Applied Intuition have announced a strategic partnership to develop autonomous weapon systems with an initial focus on air defense capabilities. The collaboration aims to integrate SNC’s Expeditionary Air Defense Systems with Applied’s autonomous vehicle software, enabling unmanned deployment and operation of air defense platforms. The partnership represents a convergence of Silicon Valley innovation with established defense expertise, targeting rapid development of capabilities for missile defense and counter-drone operations while adhering to Pentagon autonomous weapons policies.