SHIELD M Project High-speed sovereign interceptor for low-altitude drone mitigation – Dual-mode, silent terminal autonomy via radio with ethical AI (SME DA)

SHIELD M is an autonomous counter‑drone interceptor that neutralizes enemy UAVs through both kinetic impact and/or an explosive warhead. In contrast to current systems like STRILA, which depend on ground radar and a vulnerable operator‑in‑the‑loop video link, SHIELD M fuses an onboard millimeter‑wave radar with EO/IR seekers for fully autonomous target detection, identification, and passive angle tracking. Its terminal phase is completely silent: no data‑link emission, no GPS dependency – making it inherently immune to jamming and spoofing. A neural processing unit runs real‑time computer vision to reliably distinguish threat drones from birds, light aircraft, or personnel, and triggers an autonomous abort if confidence is lost.

A dual‑gate ethical framework ensures compliance with the principle of distinction: launch is authorized by a human operator, while terminal engagement proceeds only after the AI performs a positive visual/thermal positive identification. The AI is trained exclusively on hard‑metal signatures (engine heat, rotor motion); detection of biosignatures forces an immediate controlled abort. All critical components – infrared FPA sensors, millimeter‑wave radar chips, European‑designed NPUs, and resilient, GPS‑independent navigation modules – are sourced from EU manufacturers, guaranteeing a fully sovereign supply chain. SHIELD M is designed for integration on an eVTOL platform and will be delivered by a consortium of European SMEs, RTOs, and defense end‑users, directly reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy in counter‑drone defence. We are actively looking for an experienced European company able to provide a suitable loitering‑missile platform to host the SHIELD M payload and deliver the complete interceptor system. The payload is designed for integration into such a platform, combining our autonomous seeker and edge AI with an operational, proven kinetic/war head carrier.