L3Harris and DataShapes AI turn tactical radios into counter-drone sensors with Wraith Shield software
AI Analysis
L3Harris and DataShapes AI have developed Wraith Shield, a software upgrade for tactical radios that transforms them into distributed counter-drone sensors. The system utilizes AI-enabled RF sensing to disrupt small drone signals, complementing existing air defense systems like VAMPIRE and Drone Guardian. Deployment is slated for later this year, starting with the AN/PRC-171 radio and expanding to over 100,000 fielded systems.
Key Takeaways
- Wraith Shield leverages the existing L3Harris Wraith waveform for fast frequency hopping and electronic warfare resilience.
- The software targets smaller, commercial drones, including FPV aircraft adapted for attack, filling a gap in current defense capabilities.
- Wraith Shield operates as a 'radio-as-a-sensor,' functioning independently or integrating with broader counter-UxS networks.
- The system is designed for ease of use, neutralizing drones with a single button press.
- L3Harris plans a phased rollout, beginning with the RF-9820S (AN/PRC-171) and extending to AN/PRC-158C, AN/PRC-163, and AN/PRC-167 radios.
Why It Matters
This development represents a shift towards a more distributed and cost-effective counter-drone approach, utilizing existing communication infrastructure. By turning tactical radios into sensors, Wraith Shield significantly expands detection and disruption capabilities, particularly against the growing threat of low-cost commercial drones. This layered defense strategy is crucial for protecting troops and assets in contested environments.
L3Harris and DataShapes AI turn tactical radios into counter-drone sensors with Wraith Shield software
L3Harris and DataShapes AI turn tactical radios into counter-drone sensors with Wraith Shield software
By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)
Space/C4ISR| May 17, 2026
Image: L3Harris Technologies.
L3Harris Technologies has partnered with DataShapes AI to deliver an AI-enabled counter-uncrewed aerial systems capability that turns tactical radios into distributed sensing and response platforms. The companies said the Wraith Shield software is designed to provide assured communications and counter-drone protection at the tactical edge.
The system is intended to address the growing use of small drones in combat zones, including commercial first-person-view aircraft adapted for one-way attack missions. L3Harris said a layered air defence approach is needed because a single system cannot address every drone threat cost-effectively.
Wraith Shield builds on L3Harris’ Wraith waveform, a wideband, fast frequency-hopping tactical waveform developed in the early 2020s and already fielded in operations facing sophisticated electronic warfare threats. The company’s Rapid Prototyping Group began developing the Wraith Shield upgrade last year to counter smaller commercial drones used against military targets.
“Wraith Shield is a prime example of how L3Harris continues to innovate as the Trusted Disruptor in the market,” said Chris Aebli, President, Mission Critical Communications, L3Harris. “It enables operators to disrupt hostile drone signals directly from their radios. With the press of a button, personnel can neutralize attritable unmanned systems, causing them to drop from the sky.”
The software will be deployed later this year on the RF-9820S Compact Team Radio, also known as the AN/PRC-171, and its embeddable RF-9820S-ER version. L3Harris said it will later be available as a software upgrade for all Wraith-capable tactical radios, including more than 100,000 systems already fielded by militaries, such as the AN/PRC-158C, AN/PRC-163 and AN/PRC-167.
According to L3Harris, adding AI-enabled radio-frequency sensing gives Wraith Shield a “radio-as-a-sensor” capability that can operate inside distributed, data-centric networks. The company said the system can function as a stand-alone tool against drones using commercial command links or integrate with other counter-UxS systems.
“Our role as an industry partner to U.S. and coalition forces is to protect ground operators and provide the most reliable, secure and assured communications,” said Rob Mariuz, Director, Product Management, L3Harris. “Our new Wraith Shield capability has been designed to seamlessly integrate with and enhance existing air defense systems by adding thousands of distributed sensors.”
L3Harris said Wraith Shield can target smaller drones by disrupting their functionality, while systems such as VAMPIRE and Drone Guardian can focus on larger threats. The approach is inten