A San Francisco-based company has demonstrated that laser-based anti-drone weapons can easily provide air cover for autonomous military logistics vehicles. Aurelius Systems recently mounted its Archimedes autonomous laser weapon on an unmanned American ground vehicle from Rheinmetall at AUSA 2026.
Aurelius Systems revealed that by combining powerful directed energy lasers, advanced sensors and AI autonomy, Archimedes tracks, targets and neutralizes aerial threats in seconds. When deployed in large numbers, Archimedes units form a resilient defense network, providing sustained protection for forces, facilities and critical infrastructure.
Directed energy counter-UAS systems provide a precise attack
The integration combines an autonomous ground platform and a directed-energy weapon designed to detect, track and engage small air targets. The concept addresses an increasingly important challenge on the battlefield: How to sustain forces when conventional supply vehicles and personnel are subject to constant surveillance and attacks from low-cost drones.
Directed-energy counter-UAS systems provide precision engagement against multiple drone threats. They offer a compact platform with low SWaP-C content, which reduces costs and logistics effort compared to conventional systems.
Built for rapid deployment without heavy logistics
The system is small, compact and portable on site and designed for rapid deployment without complex logistics. It also integrates optical sensing coupled with machine learning for real-time detection and target acquisition – no operator required.
Aurelius Systems’ partnership with Rheinmetall was announced in July. The partnership combines Aurelius’ Archimedes directed energy platform with American Rheinmetall’s robotic combat vehicles to address one of the most pressing challenges in modern defense: mobile, cost-effective and scalable protection against multiple drone threats.
Archimedes is first integrated into the Ox, the unmanned ground vehicle. The American Rheinmetall has entered the US Army’s Ground Optionally Autonomous Transport competition for a vehicle that transports supplies and equipment over rough terrain. With a laser on board, a cargo vehicle can defend itself against drones during resupply runs, a role that Rheinmetall describes as protection for autonomous logistics missions.
“The battlefield demands mobility, autonomy and resilience. By integrating autonomous directed energy into robotic combat vehicles, we are delivering force-multiplying technologies that operate in the most dangerous environments, helping protect warfighters while improving mission effectiveness,” Aurelius Systems CEO Michael LaFramboise said in July.
“This partnership with America’s Rheinmetall supports a future in which military forces can sustain operations in contested environments, reduce warfighter risk and maintain freedom of movement.”
The laser will be integrated into American Rheinmetall’s Ox unmanned ground vehicle, a platform participating in the U.S. Army’s Ground Optionally Autonomous Transport competition.
The vehicle is intended to transport supplies and equipment over difficult terrain and support military logistics operations where the use of manned vehicles could expose personnel to unnecessary danger.
The integration of Archimedes could expand the role of the ox beyond carrying cargo. Equipped with a counter-drone capability, the platform could potentially detect and combat aerial threats while supporting supply movements.
This would be particularly relevant in contested environments where drones can monitor roads, locate logistics convoys and attack vehicles carrying ammunition, fuel, food and other vital supplies.
