AERIX SYSTEMS Partners with KNDS France to Scale Counter-Drone Production

AERIX SYSTEMS, the French defence technology company based in Mérignac, is entering a new phase of industrial growth following the signing of a strategic partnership with KNDS France. At the centre of the partnership is the AXS-μ1, an omnidirectional aerial platform that KNDS France plans to integrate into its TARGAS (Tactical Advanced Response for Ground, Air and Surface threats) counter-drone system.

A New Approach to Counter-Drone Operations

The AXS-μ1 is designed around AERIX SYSTEMS’ distinctive omnidirectional flight architecture, allowing the platform to move across all axes without needing to change orientation. This enables the system to maintain its trajectory towards an aerial target even when the target attempts to manoeuvre or evade. The platform is designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, operate in winds of up to 100 km/h, and physically intercept hostile drones without relying on an explosive payload. According to the company, the system can be deployed by a soldier in less than one minute.

From Startup Technology to Industrial Scale

The partnership marks an important step in the industrialisation of AERIX SYSTEMS’ technology. KNDS France will support the further development of the platform and could begin manufacturing the system in its production facilities from 2027. AERIX SYSTEMS will retain responsibility for the platform’s design and, in particular, its flight-control software, which represents a key element of the company’s technological differentiation. The partnership could significantly increase production capacity, with the company targeting a move from around 100 to up to 1,000 drones per month.

Beyond Counter-Drone Applications

While the AXS-μ1 is being integrated into TARGAS for counter-UAS missions, AERIX SYSTEMS is positioning its omnidirectional platform for a broader range of applications. Potential missions include reconnaissance, decoy operations, and industrial inspection, demonstrating the potential of the underlying technology beyond counter-drone operations. With this partnership, AERIX SYSTEMS is moving from technology development towards industrialisation and large-scale deployment, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the French defence start-up.