SNC and Applied Intuition Partner on Autonomous Air Defense Systems
WASHINGTON — Sierra Nevada Corporation and Applied Intuition announced a strategic partnership today to develop autonomous weapon systems with a primary focus on air defense applications. The collaboration merges the software expertise of the Silicon Valley-based autonomy firm with SNC’s extensive experience in complex defense systems.
Under the partnership, SNC’s Expeditionary Air Defense Systems will be integrated with Applied Intuition’s autonomous vehicle software to create mobile, unmanned air defense platforms capable of autonomous deployment and operation. According to the announcement, the systems would feature remote operator control capabilities and collaborative vehicle emplacement functionality, with all development proceeding in compliance with Department of Defense autonomous weapons regulations.
“This partnership epitomizes the merger of Silicon Valley’s innovation pace with advanced defense rigor, setting a new standard for rapid, effective and operationally relevant technology deployment,” SNC CEO Fatih Ozmen stated.
The near-term focus targets SNC’s MAAWLR platform, which can mobilize the company’s BRAAWLR air defense system and other weapon systems. The BRAAWLR has previously been deployed operationally and has reportedly neutralized over 400 aerial threats. The companies plan to leverage Applied’s autonomy and simulation software across multiple domains, with concentrated efforts on localized missile defense and counter-drone operations.
Applied Intuition CEO Qasar Younis emphasized the partnership’s deployment readiness: “Combining Silicon Valley speed, innovation and engineering power with decades of experience in complex defense systems, Applied and SNC are determined to make battlefield autonomy not just a concept for the future, but a capability ready for deployment now.”
The partnership represents a significant convergence of commercial innovation and military requirements. Applied Intuition, which expanded its focus from ground vehicles to maritime and aerial platforms following its acquisition of EpiSci earlier this year, is among six companies currently utilizing Northrop Grumman’s AI testbed aircraft.
The collaboration addresses critical modernization priorities for U.S. air defense, particularly as threats from unmanned systems and missile technology evolve. By combining proven air defense hardware with cutting-edge autonomy software, the partnership positions both companies to address Pentagon requirements for increasingly autonomous military capabilities while maintaining necessary operational and policy controls.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764713086508-1077