New Initiative Aims to Streamline Testing, Validation, and Deployment of Military Capabilities
NUAIR has officially launched NUAIR Defense, a dedicated hub designed to simplify the process of verifying, validating, and deploying defense technologies. The initiative aims to remove bottlenecks that slow down military adoption of next-generation capabilities across air, land, maritime, and multi-domain operations.
A Collaborative Approach to Defense Technology
NUAIR Defense is structured as an ecosystem that brings together technology providers, military operators, and decision-makers to ensure mission-ready solutions.
“We’re not just another technology provider,” said Ken Stewart, President & CEO of NUAIR. “We bring together the right people, the right tools, and the right processes to ensure that only proven, operationally relevant capabilities make it to the field.”
Darshan ‘Dash’ Divakaran, Principal at NUAIR Defense, emphasized the importance of speeding up technology deployment. “The defense technology sector is undergoing rapid growth, demanding accelerated testing, validation, and deployment of dual-use technologies. NUAIR Defense is driving a paradigm shift in defense innovation, bridging the gap between military operators, decision-makers, and technology providers to unlock new possibilities and propel defense and security forward.”
Breaking Down Barriers to Military Readiness
NUAIR Defense addresses three critical obstacles that often delay the deployment of advanced technologies:
- Validation at the Speed of Need – The organization moves beyond repeated demonstrations and pitches, instead testing solutions in real-world operational environments across multiple domains.
- Realistic Testing for Mission Success – Warfighters engage in live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) environments, simulating modern combat scenarios to evaluate system performance before deployment.
- Seamless Integration with Defense Infrastructure – NUAIR Defense collaborates with military airspace managers, range managers, and strategic defense sites to ensure that new capabilities integrate without unintended operational disruptions.
Focus Areas in Defense and Security
NUAIR Defense is actively supporting key defense initiatives, including:
- Counter-UAS & Airspace Security – Using digital twin technology, the initiative enhances detection and mitigation of unauthorized drone activity while verifying compliant operations.
- BVLOS Operations & Airspace Management – Working with government and commercial stakeholders, NUAIR Defense aims to reduce barriers to scalable beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations for defense applications.
- SBIR, STTR & Dual-Use Technology Deployment – The organization connects emerging technology firms with military needs, accelerating the transition from prototype to operational use.
A History of Collaboration with the U.S. Military
With more than a decade of experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), allied, and commercial operations, NUAIR has developed a reputation for safety, precision, and compliance. The organization has a longstanding collaboration with the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, home to the MQ-9 Reaper drone. Syracuse Hancock International Airport, where NUAIR is headquartered, is the only U.S. airport where air traffic control (ATC) routinely manages crewed and uncrewed aircraft integration.
Upcoming Webinar on Defense Technology Acceleration
NUAIR Defense is engaging with military leaders, industry experts, and government agencies to refine the vetting, testing, and deployment of defense solutions.
A webinar titled “Delivering Combat-Ready Platforms at the Pace of Modern Conflict Demand” will be held on Wednesday, February 26, at 3:00 PM EST. The discussion will feature Ken Stewart, Darshan ‘Dash’ Divakaran, and AUVSI President Michael Robbins, covering opportunities for both commercial and defense operators.
More information and registration details can be found at: www.auvsi.org/events/auvsi-webinars.
For further details about NUAIR Defense, visit www.NUAIRDefense.org.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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