By: Arie Ergozi
In defense, new systems have arisen to help military personnel respond quickly and accurately to threats. Axon Vision, an Israeli firm specializing in computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) deep learning solutions for both manned and unmanned military platforms, stands at the epicenter of this progress. Their work continues to gain attention not just at home, but across Europe and beyond.
Expanding Capabilities with Autonomous Vision
Modern military missions require rapid reactions in unpredictable environments. Traditional methods of threat detection and situational awareness can be limited by human reaction times and the complexity of the battlefield. Axon Vision addresses these challenges by developing vision-based systems that analyze and interpret visual data in real time to provide operators with timely and reliable information.
The company built these systems to integrate with a variety of platforms, including ground vehicles and aerial units. By automating the process of identifying and tracking potential threats, Axon Vision’s technologies allow crews to maintain awareness and make informed decisions, even in high-pressure situations.
Supporting Unmanned Aerial Missions
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), increasingly important in modern defense, handle tasks from reconnaissance to direct engagement. Axon Vision’s technology enhances these platforms by enabling them to detect and identify adversaries, even when visual data is unclear. Images captured by UAVs are transmitted to ground stations, where Axon Vision’s systems assist in confirming the identity of potential targets so operators can make confident decisions. This process enables rapid engagement by reducing the time between detection and action.
EdgeUAV: Safeguarding the Skies
One of Axon Vision’s key products, the EdgeUAV system uses AI to detect, identify, and track aerial objects. The system, currently used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to protect against drone attacks, distinguishes between genuine threats, such as hostile drones, and harmless objects, like birds. It provides real-time alerts and reduces false alarms, particularly in environments with frequent drone activity.
For example, during the war with Lebanon, Hezbollah launched a large number of armed UAVs to hit targets in Israel. The topography of Northern Israel and the low radar signature of these UAVs made it very complicated for the Israeli defence systems to intercept these threats. This company’s EdgeUAV system helped address operational challenges by improving the detection and interception of low-signature aerial threats.
The system’s flexibility allows it to work with a range of camera and sensor setups, which makes it suitable for both new and existing platforms.
Edge 360: Improving Armored Vehicle Operations
Axon Vision designed its Edge 360 solution for armored vehicles such as tanks and personnel carriers. Traditionally, crews would need to open hatches to maintain full visibility, which exposed them to risk. Edge 360 enables closed-hatch operation by providing a comprehensive, real-time view of the vehicle’s surroundings through a network of optical sensors.
This system allows crews to quickly identify and engage targets using onboard weapon systems, while remaining protected inside the vehicle. The result: improved safety and effectiveness, especially in complex combat environments.
International Partnerships and Market Growth
Axon Vision’s solutions have attracted interest from defense organizations beyond Israel. According to Brig. General (Ret.) Roy Riftin, CEO of the company and Ori Naor, the company’s VP Business Development and Marketing, explained how the company’s products are used by different armed forces. The company has made initial sales to the Swiss army and recently entered a strategic partnership with Czechoslovak Group (CSG), a major European defense company.
According to the Israeli company, the collaboration and initial order, led within CSG by its subsidiary Retia, marks the first step in a broader partnership to modernize European armored vehicle fleets and pursue various opportunities in the region. “We are now in negotiations with Sweden and Finland,” Riftin said. Ongoing negotiations with additional European countries reflect the growing demand for advanced vision systems that can be integrated into both existing and new defense equipment.
The Future of Autonomous Vision
As military operations become more complex, the need for reliable, autonomous vision systems continues to grow. Axon Vision’s technologies are helping to set new standards for situational awareness, threat detection and operational safety. By focusing on adaptability, integration and real-time performance, these solutions are shaping the future of defense platforms, making them more responsive and effective in the field.