Israeli LiDAR maker Innoviz Technologies (NASDAQ: INVZ) announced on June 30 a collaboration with autonomous point-defense specialist Regulus to bring high-resolution laser sensing into counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), extending Innoviz's reach well beyond its automotive roots.
Seeing threats radar can miss
The partnership tackles one of air defense's hardest problems: tracking small, low-altitude drones at sub-kilometer ranges in urban and cluttered environments. Conventional radar can lose accuracy amid buildings, vegetation and infrastructure, and newer fiber-optic-controlled drones evade many radio-frequency detection methods entirely. By pairing Innoviz's 3D LiDAR with Regulus' AI-driven C-UAS software, the companies aim to deliver a continuous, precise picture of aerial threats.
"Innoviz is the eyes of the counter-UAS picture," said Omer Keilaf, Founder and CEO of Innoviz. "Our LiDAR delivers the precise object detection and high-accuracy 3D localization that give operators a clearer, faster read on low-altitude threats."
A pivot into defense
For Innoviz, defense is becoming a meaningful second market. Its off-the-shelf InnovizSMART platform is already positioned for security, homeland defense and aerial applications, and the company has signed recent framework and collaboration deals across the sector. Regulus, which describes itself as a global leader in autonomous point defense, brings combat-oriented C-UAS expertise and System-of-Systems integration to the table.
Why it matters now
Demand for counter-drone technology is climbing as cheap UAS proliferate on battlefields and around critical infrastructure. LiDAR's ability to generate accurate 3D localization complements radar and electro-optical sensors, giving defense operators layered coverage. The move mirrors a broader trend of autonomous-driving sensor makers repurposing their hardware for security and defense markets.
The announcement lands alongside Innoviz's growing defense momentum and its parallel automotive wins, including its role supplying LiDAR for Mobileye Drive robotaxis. It also fits a wider surge in counter-UAS activity seen in programs like Ondas' Iron Wave counter-drone system and Pentagon counter-drone contracting.
Reporting based on coverage from Innoviz Technologies (PR Newswire) and StockTitan.