Honeywell is playing a leading role in the development and deployment of autonomous systems for modern military operations.
With a strong foundation in aerospace innovation, the company is delivering modular, secure, and intelligent technologies that support both manned and unmanned missions across defense environments.
Honeywell’s solutions are designed to enhance mission effectiveness, increase operator safety, and enable quicker responses to emerging threats.
Key Honeywell technologies include:
- Anthem: A cloud-connected, highly automated flight deck that supports defense modernization and simplifies operations across aircraft platforms.
- Collaborative Combat Aircraft: Autonomous-ready platforms built with Honeywell’s avionics and navigation systems.
- ISR Capabilities: Mission systems and communication tools that enhance situational awareness and operational coordination.
- DARWIN: An AI copilot developed through SESAR-led research to assist in safe autonomous flight.
- Resilient Navigation: Global and inertial systems that maintain navigation in GPS-denied environments.
- SAMURAI: A system designed to detect, track and neutralize drone swarms using mobile and stationary platforms.
According to Matt Milas, President of Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, “Autonomy is a force multiplier for the warfighter — enhancing situational awareness, reducing pilot workload and enabling sharper focus on mission success and operational safety.”
Autonomous Capabilities for Military Operations
Honeywell supports a range of autonomous and semi-autonomous capabilities being adopted across the defense sector. These include:
- Crew-optional aircraft capable of piloted or unmanned flight
- Swarm tactics with real-time UAV coordination
- Tactical AI for faster threat response through real-time sensor fusion
- CUAS solutions to counter unmanned threats without direct operator control
- Autonomous logistics using UAVs for resupply and casualty evacuation in high-risk zones
Beyond enhancing mission success, unmanned platforms typically offer lower acquisition and operational costs, making them valuable for roles such as precision strike, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
Autonomous technologies are not intended to replace human decision-making but to augment it. By taking on routine or high-risk tasks, autonomous systems allow operators to concentrate on complex judgment and mission command. Tools like pilot-state monitoring and AI copilots help maintain human oversight while supporting smaller crews and shorter training times.
As autonomous systems become integral to defense strategy, Honeywell continues to drive innovation that aligns with evolving military priorities.
