Unmanned Aerial Vehicle The latest drone news
The skies over warzones are becoming increasingly congested with electronic threats.
To combat these dangers and ensure the continued effectiveness of its MQ-9A Reaper drone, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently announced a strategic partnership with Shift5.
This collaboration injects the Reaper with a potent dose of cybersecurity and advanced maintenance capabilities, directly benefiting the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Boosting Reaper’s Resilience in the Digital Age
“GA-ASI has long maintained a focused commitment to unmanned combat operations and unmatched unmanned aircraft system (UAS) experience, exemplified through our MQ-9A Reaper,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
He further mentions how their partnership with Shift5 would elevate that commitment by empowering AFSOC and SOCOM with a force multiplier for the Reaper’s resilience on the modern battlefield.
Shift5’s area of expertise lies in onboard operational technology (OT) observability. This translates to equipping the Reaper with real-time cyber anomaly detection, a critical line of defense against those seeking to disrupt its operations.
Imagine a scenario where hostile actors attempt to manipulate the drone’s flight controls or disable its crucial sensors.
Shift5’s technology would identify such threats in real-time, allowing operators to neutralize them before they can inflict any damage.
The skies over warzones are becoming increasingly congested with electronic threats.
To combat these dangers and ensure the continued effectiveness of its MQ-9A Reaper drone, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently announced a strategic partnership with Shift5.
This collaboration injects the Reaper with a potent dose of cybersecurity and advanced maintenance capabilities, directly benefiting the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Boosting Reaper’s Resilience in the Digital Age
“GA-ASI has long maintained a focused commitment to unmanned combat operations and unmatched unmanned aircraft system (UAS) experience, exemplified through our MQ-9A Reaper,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
He further mentions how their partnership with Shift5 would elevate that commitment by empowering AFSOC and SOCOM with a force multiplier for the Reaper’s resilience on the modern battlefield.
Shift5’s area of expertise lies in onboard operational technology (OT) observability. This translates to equipping the Reaper with real-time cyber anomaly detection, a critical line of defense against those seeking to disrupt its operations.
Imagine a scenario where hostile actors attempt to manipulate the drone’s flight controls or disable its crucial sensors.
Shift5’s technology would identify such threats in real-time, allowing operators to neutralize them before they can inflict any damage.
Warfighters need to rapidly & confidently move from data to decisions at the pace of evolving cyber threats on the battlefield.
We’re excited to announce our partnership with @Shift5Co to integrate its onboard cyber anomaly detection & prediction capabilities onto #MQ9.… pic.twitter.com/pbWzAgW1W7
— GA-ASI (@GenAtomics_ASI) May 8, 2024
Shielding the Reaper from Cyber Threats
But the partnership extends beyond just cybersecurity.
Predictive maintenance capabilities will be a game-changer.
By analyzing data streams from the Reaper’s systems, Shift5’s platform can anticipate potential equipment failures before they occur.
Imagine a vital sensor on the verge of malfunction; the system would provide early warning, allowing for preventative maintenance and ensuring the Reaper’s availability when needed most.
This not only reduces downtime but also minimizes the risk of the drone being compromised mid-mission due to a technical glitch.
“The battlefield of the future will include more remotely piloted, autonomous, and unmanned systems. Central to maintaining advantage in this operating environment is access to real-time data,” explained Josh Lospinoso, CEO and co-founder of Shift5. “Our work with GA-ASI represents one of the most efficient and effective ways that AFSOC and SOCOM can gain access to critical operational and cybersecurity insights, democratize that data, and maintain decision dominance.”
Shift5’s Proven Track Record: A Hallmark of Trust
Shift5’s proven track record instills confidence in the partnership.
They hold the distinction of being the first company to receive a cross-platform Authority to Operate (ATO) Certification from the US Department of Defense (DoD), a testament to their platform’s security and reliability.
Shift5 partners with @GenAtomics_ASI to embed observability into the MQ-9A Reaper for the @USSOCOM + @AFSpecOpsCmd. The partnership will modernize the MQ-9A Reaper thru onboard data access + analysis to boost cybersecurity, readiness, and survivability.https://t.co/2JYhIEb7Xh pic.twitter.com/Mf4Yxd1lcI
— Shift5 (@shift5co) May 8, 2024
Furthermore, their success in securing the US Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) showcases their expertise in safeguarding critical military assets.
A Force Multiplier for US Special Operations
The GA-ASI and Shift5 partnership signifies a pivotal step forward for the MQ-9A Reaper.
The Reaper will remain a vital asset for US Special Operations Forces by fortifying its cybersecurity and streamlining maintenance. This translates to increased confidence and efficiency for operators carrying out high-stakes missions in some of the world’s most volatile regions.
Once a powerful tool, the Reaper is now a force multiplier, better equipped to navigate the treacherous electronic landscape of modern warfare.
