- Pandion Sentinel uses passive optical perception to identify, track and categorize threats
- Visionary Machines engineers will deploy, validate and support the system during integration
- SNC plans to explore on-the-move surveillance for maritime threat detection and situational awareness
Sierra Nevada Corp. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Australian software and sensing company Visionary Machines to study integrating the latter’s counter-uncrewed aerial system technology with its AEGIR uncrewed surface vessels.
What Technology Will SNC Study?
Under the agreement, SNC will evaluate Visionary Machines’ Pandion Sentinel optical perception system for use aboard AEGIR, the company said Monday. Because Pandion Sentinel does not transmit signals while identifying, tracking and categorizing threats, SNC said the system is a fit for contested and GPS-denied conditions where AEGIR is designed to operate. The company said the technology is built to help users detect threats faster and exercise better command and control.
Engineers from Visionary Machines will handle the technology’s deployment and validation as part of the integration effort. They will also validate and support it during the preparation and execution phases. Under the MOU, SNC will explore giving AEGIR on-the-move surveillance capabilities to aid maritime threat detection and situational awareness.
What Has SNC Demonstrated With AEGIR?
An early 2026 deployment in an active maritime theater showed USV doctrine at technology readiness level 9. The company said AEGIR has proven effective in conditions up to Sea State 5, with more than 100 USV units deployed.
Charlie Howell, vice president of programs at SNC, said the company is pairing AEGIR with sensors from industry partners as part of its mission systems integration work.
SNC Senior Director of Programs Rich Kosler said Pandion Sentinel adds a high-performance electro-optical/infrared tracking sensor that complements SNC’s modular ISR payload architecture. He added that the C-UAS capability “can reshape the maritime battlespace for our naval and AUKUS customers.”
What Other Partnerships Has SNC Formed?
In February, SNC signed an MOU with Specter Aerospace to develop a supersonic aerial launched effects product line. In December 2025, SNC partnered with Applied Intuition to integrate autonomy software, including Vehicle OS and Axion Mission Control, with SNC’s Expeditionary Area Air Defense systems. The work prioritizes missile defense and counter-drone capabilities.
