Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled its new “HawkGuard” counter-drone system at the AUSA 2026 exhibition in the United States.
According to information provided to Polygonjournal by IAI, the new system expands the company’s multi-layered counter-drone defence architecture by providing an additional layer of protection against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other airborne threats.
IAI President and CEO Guy Bar Lev stated that the future of force protection would increasingly depend on the ability to respond rapidly and effectively to a growing variety of evolving airborne threats.
“At IAI, our goal is to provide a multi-layered and flexible defence architecture that protects forces against the entire spectrum of threats. ‘HawkGuard’ is another step towards achieving this goal, adding a kinetic neutralisation capability to counter the growing threat posed by drones,” he said.
IAI’s multi-layered counter-drone architecture incorporates advanced detection, identification, command and control, electronic warfare, and interception capabilities. Designed to combine different sensors and effectors according to mission requirements, the architecture enables coordinated responses to evolving airborne threats.
“HawkGuard” adds a new kinetic interception capability to this architecture. The system is built around radar and electro-optical sensors, an artificial intelligence-based command-and-control system for detection and guidance, and interceptor drones designed to neutralise hostile aerial targets through direct kinetic impact. The system does not use an explosive warhead. This approach provides an additional interception option while avoiding conventional explosions and their secondary effects.
Dror Bar, IAI Executive Vice President and CEO of ELTA Systems, emphasised that modern airborne threats require solutions capable of rapidly adapting to the threat, mission, and operational environment. “HawkGuard” provides operators with an additional tool within a broader multi-layered defence concept, offering a flexible and cost-effective capability to counter drones and other aerial targets that pose a threat to specific areas.
Developed around a compact, modular architecture, “HawkGuard” can be deployed on armoured and other mobile platforms, as well as for the protection of fixed installations, strategic infrastructure, and offshore assets.
The “HawkGuard” system has recently completed a series of successful trials. During the tests, it demonstrated its ability to detect, track, and neutralise various UAV threats. These results contribute to the further development of IAI’s multi-layered counter-UAV defence capabilities amid the rapid proliferation of drones and the evolving requirements of the modern battlefield.
