Honeywell and Odys Aviation Collaborate on Counter-Drone Defense System

The integrated Laila-SAMURAI system aims to provide a defensive layer against evolving drone threats for critical infrastructure

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:37pm

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Honeywell Aerospace is collaborating with Odys Aviation to integrate its Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept (SAMURAI) autonomous airborne platform with Odys Aviation's long-range Laila uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). The combined Laila-SAMURAI system is intended to provide a defensive layer between ground-based sensors and high-end missile defense systems, reducing reliance on costly kinetic interceptors while extending coverage over large and remote areas to protect distributed infrastructure such as refineries, pipelines, and offshore energy platforms.

Why it matters

Drone threats have fundamentally changed the economics and operational requirements of air defense, requiring persistent protection across large areas and the ability to engage threats at the horizon long before they reach critical infrastructure. The Laila-SAMURAI system aims to address this need by combining Honeywell's counter-UAS capabilities with Odys Aviation's long-range, runway-independent UAV platform.

The details

The Laila is a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing UAV designed for long-range, runway-independent operations. It combines a turbine-based generator with electric propulsion to deliver extended endurance and high onboard power availability for mission systems. Honeywell's SAMURAI is a modular system designed to integrate a range of sensors and effectors, following Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles to support interoperability and long-term sustainment.

  • Honeywell and Odys Aviation have been collaborating on the Laila-SAMURAI system for more than a year.

The players

Honeywell Aerospace

An American aerospace manufacturer that is developing the SAMURAI counter-UAS system.

Odys Aviation

A California-based company that is developing the Laila long-range uncrewed aerial vehicle.

Matt Milas

The president of Defense and Space at Honeywell Aerospace.

James Dorris

The CEO of Odys Aviation.

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What they’re saying

“SAMURAI delivers critical counter-UAS capabilities with proven reliability, scalability and seamless integration into existing defense architectures.”

— Matt Milas, President of Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace

“Drone threats have fundamentally changed the economics and operational requirements of air defense. Critical infrastructure and forward-operating locations require persistent protection across large areas and the ability to engage threats at the horizon long before they're at the doorstep.”

— James Dorris, CEO, Odys Aviation

What’s next

The Laila-SAMURAI system is currently in the integration and testing phase, with plans for further development and deployment to protect critical infrastructure.

The takeaway

The collaboration between Honeywell and Odys Aviation highlights the growing need for advanced counter-drone solutions that can provide persistent protection over large areas and engage threats before they reach their targets. The Laila-SAMURAI system represents a new airborne defense layer designed to address the evolving drone threat landscape.