DataShapes AI Partners with L3Harris on Wraith Shield Drone Defense Radios - Daily AI Brief
AI Analysis
L3Harris and DataShapes AI have partnered to develop Wraith Shield, a counter-UAS system that transforms existing tactical radios into drone detection and disruption tools. The system operates without cloud connectivity, enabling real-time response at the tactical edge using on-device AI processing. Deployment will begin with the RF-9820S radio family and be available as an upgrade for existing Falcon IV radios.
Key Takeaways
- Wraith Shield utilizes L3Harris' AN/PRC-158C, AN/PRC-163, AN/PRC-167, RF-9820S, and AN/PRC-171 radios.
- DataShapes AI’s GlobalEdge platform provides the AI capabilities for RF signal processing and threat identification.
- The system disrupts drone signals and neutralizes unmanned systems without relying on cloud infrastructure.
- Initial deployment is slated for later in 2026, starting with the RF-9820S family.
- The software will be offered as an upgrade for all fielded Falcon IV tactical radios.
Why It Matters
This development represents a significant advancement in distributed counter-UAS capabilities, reducing reliance on centralized infrastructure and enhancing responsiveness. The ability to repurpose existing radio assets lowers the cost and accelerates the deployment of drone defense systems. This is particularly valuable in contested or communication-denied environments.
DataShapes AI Partners with L3Harris on Wraith Shield Drone Defense Radios - Daily AI Brief
DataShapes AI Partners with L3Harris on Wraith Shield Drone Defense Radios
May 19, 2026
DataShapes AI announced it is the artificial intelligence partner behind L3Harris Technologies' new Wraith Shield system, which enables tactical radios to detect and disrupt drone threats without cloud connectivity.
DataShapes AI has partnered with L3Harris Technologies to provide artificial intelligence capabilities for Wraith Shield, a new system that allows tactical radios to identify and counter drone threats. The partnership was announced in a press release on May 18, 2026.
Wraith Shield transforms existing L3Harris radios, including the AN/PRC-158C, AN/PRC-163, AN/PRC-167, and RF-9820S models, into distributed radio frequency sensors capable of detecting and classifying drones. The system operates without cloud connectivity, enabling real time awareness and response directly at the tactical edge.
The capability is powered by DataShapes AI’s GlobalEdge platform, which processes radio frequency signals locally to sense and respond to aerial threats. Operators can use their radios to disrupt hostile drone signals and neutralize unmanned systems.
Deployment will begin later in 2026 on the RF-9820S Compact Team Radio, also known as the AN/PRC-171, and on its embeddable version, the RF-9820S-ER. The software will also be available as an upgrade for all Falcon IV tactical radios currently fielded by military units.
We hope you enjoyed this article.
Consider subscribing to one of our newsletters like Defense AI Brief, Robotics Brief or Daily AI Brief.
Also, consider following us on social media:
Defense AI Brief AI & Robotics AI Brief AI Brief (X)
More from: Defense
05/20 MajorKey Technologies Selected by U.S. Department of Defense for DDIL Identity Capabilities
05/20 Riverside Research and Plexus Partner on Secure Modular Defense Devices
05/19 Shield AI Selected to Integrate Hivemind Autonomy into LUCAS Drone Program
05/19 Raytheon Awarded Contract to Advance Software Defined Naval Radar
05/19 Microwave Products Group Unveils Three New AI-Based RF Systems for Aerospace and Defense
More from: Robotics
05/20 ITRI Opens AI Robotics Center in Southern Taiwan
05/19 Enigma Aerospace and Re:Build Manufacturing Partner on Phoenix Autonomous Cargo Aircraft
05/19 EZGO, Autotrax.ai, and Zhejiang Hengyuan Partner to Build U.S.-Assembled Autonomous Vehicle Platform
05/19 Shield AI Selected to Integrate Hivemind Autonomy into LUCAS Drone Program
05/19 X Square Robot Named to Forbes China AI Tech Enterprises Top 50
Subscribe to Defense AI Brief
Your weekly intelligence briefing on the technology shaping modern warfare and national security.
Market report
Superagency in the Workplace: Empowering People to Unlock AI’s Full Potential
This report explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the workplace, emphasizin