UAE launches next-gen GPS-less navigation and secure flight control to strengthen aviation security
These technologies, both developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, are designed to deliver secure, resilient operations in the most challenging environments. They have been optimized for UAV manufacturers, offering enhanced resilience, precision, and security for autonomous aerial operations. The agreement between VentureOne, ADASI, and TII was formalized at IDEX 2025, the Middle East's largest defense exhibition, at which Saluki and Perceptra were unveiled.
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has long been a fundamental pillar of navigation, supporting applications from everyday smartphone use to critical defense and military operations. However, this widespread reliance on GPS has exposed vulnerabilities that can be exploited through techniques like jamming and spoofing. Jamming occurs when signals on the same frequency overwhelm GPS receivers, preventing accurate location tracking, while spoofing involves transmitting counterfeit signals to deceive receivers into calculating incorrect positions or times. These vulnerabilities pose significant risks across sectors that depend on precise navigation, including autonomous drones, commercial aviation, and military aircraft.
In defense and security, compromised GPS signals can impact mission success and personnel safety, while in aviation, navigation errors may cause flight path deviations and operational disruptions – reports of which have the aviation industry and international regulators such as IATA and European regulator EASA seeking urgent solutions for GPS interference, according to one Reuters report in 2024.
For autonomous systems like drones and self-driving vehicles, the inability to maintain accurate positioning can create safety hazards, particularly in dynamic or high-risk environments, from aviation to defense. As the use of GPS-dependent systems continues to grow, the need for resilient, alternative navigation solutions has become increasingly critical. Perceptra and Saluki overcome many of today's numerous challenges with advanced vision-based navigation, delivering reliable, resilient performance.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said, "Perceptra, with its GPS-less capabilities, and Saluki, with its sophisticated Zero Trust architecture, represent a significant leap in autonomous navigation with the potential to transform multiple sectors. From supporting safe travel in commercial flights, search-and-rescue missions with precise navigation, to enabling efficient urban drone logistics for deliveries in densely populated cities, these technologies have broad real-world applications. Their adaptability also makes them invaluable in defense, ensuring secure and resilient operations in even the most challenging environments. This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing advanced, dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and defense needs while positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation autonomous systems."
Perceptra is a vision-based system that ensures reliable navigation without GPS, allowing aerial platforms to operate in GNSS-denied environments. It features visual relocking, low navigation errors, and easy integration across platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
Saluki is a secure, high-performance flight controller and mission computer with Zero Trust architecture. With PX4 compatibility, Gen AI capabilities, and 300 TOPS compute power, it supports multi-vehicle management for mission-critical defense applications.
"At ADASI, we integrate only the most advanced, field-proven technologies to ensure our UAVs operate with unmatched precision, resilience, and security, even in the most contested environments,' said Juma Al Kaabi, the CEO of ADASI. 'Perceptra and Saluki provide exactly what next-generation UAVs require: secure, GPS-independent navigation and AI-powered mission control.'
'VentureOne is dedicated to ensuring that cutting-edge research becomes reality to make a positive impact and transform industries,' said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne. 'Saluki and Perceptra are just two of many new innovations to come that will help ensure more resilient and safer drone operations in different sectors, starting with defense. We are working on a more comprehensive air autonomy and security portfolio that will play a central role in future drone operations.'
Last week, TII announced its collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to support regulatory efforts by developing advanced methodologies for air corridor design. These methodologies aim to optimize flight routes and reduce the risk of aerial incidents in complex urban airspaces, ensuring safe and efficient navigation for both piloted and autonomous drone taxis. These efforts, alongside Perceptra and Saluki, reinforce Abu Dhabi's vision to lead in next-generation navigation and AI-powered autonomy.
Both VentureOne and TII are part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which oversees Abu Dhabi's research and development ecosystem to advance transformative technologies with global impact. ADASI is part of the EDGE Group, the advanced technology and defense conglomerate.
About VentureOne
VentureOne, the commercialization arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), bridges the gap between pioneering research and market-ready practical applications by delivering transformative solutions to partners and clients across the public and private sectors. It merges cutting-edge research with deep technical expertise, fostering innovation that enhances lives and generates meaningful impact.
Connect with us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ventureoneuae/
Media contacts:
communications@atrc.ae
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TECHx
6 days ago
- TECHx
UAE Enhances Cybersecurity Ties with Defence Ministry
Home » Emerging technologies » Cyber Security » UAE Enhances Cybersecurity Ties with Defence Ministry The UAE Cyber Security Council and the Ministry of Defence have announced enhanced strategic cooperation to strengthen cybersecurity governance, drive innovation, and bolster digital resilience. This effort aligns with the UAE's vision and commitment to cybersecurity as a key pillar of national security. The two entities discussed unifying efforts to reinforce the national cybersecurity system. They highlighted the critical role of close cooperation in protecting the country's vital digital infrastructure. This cooperation builds on the strong partnership between the Council and the Ministry, reflected in events such as the Gulf News Cybersecurity Forum 2024, Government Cybersecurity Summit 2024, and IDEX & NAVDEX 2025 exhibitions. These platforms demonstrate the UAE's proactive approach to strengthening cyber resilience and securing its digital future. Both the Ministry of Defence and the Cyber Security Council reaffirmed their commitment to the National Cybersecurity Strategy. Under wise leadership, the Ministry integrates this strategy into the military doctrine of the UAE Armed Forces. The Cyber Defence Directorate at the Ministry of Defence actively participates in awareness sessions, cyber drills, and events organized by the Cyber Security Council. Recently, a cyber drill at IDEX 2025 simulated an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) ransomware attack. The exercise involved 22 trainees, mainly from the defence and military sectors. During a meeting between Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, and Ali Mohamed Al Saridi, Director of the Cyber Defence Directorate at the Ministry of Defence, both sides emphasised the importance of the cyber drill held during IDEX 2025. The exercise involved 22 trainees, all from the defence and military sector, with most representing the Ministry of Defence. This military cyber drill is part of a series developed by the Council and highlights the Ministry's leadership in enhancing national defence capabilities. It also promotes knowledge exchange and raises cyber readiness across military and strategic sectors. Key points: UAE Cyber Security Council and Ministry of Defence strengthen cybersecurity cooperation Focus on national cybersecurity strategy and digital infrastructure protection Military cyber drill simulates real-world cyber threats to boost readiness This cooperation confirms the UAE's unified cybersecurity approach and its position as a leader in cyber defence and resilience.
The National
28-07-2025
- The National
Airlines in Middle East to test GPS alternatives as 'jamming' risk hits navigation
Airlines and governments in the Middle East have been invited to take part in the ongoing testing of a new navigation technology that some experts say is significantly more reliable than Global Positioning Satellite systems. SandboxAQ, a developer of products involving quantum technology and artificial intelligence, recently heralded the 'commercially available prototype' of the technology they're calling AQNav. This comes as GPS, the standard navigation system around the world, has become a victim of its own success, and is increasingly vulnerable to GPS jamming which can renders the navigation assistance unusable. GPS jamming − also known as GPS spoofing − became a prominent problem in June during the air war between Israel and Iran. Smartphone users across the Middle East reported anomalies with their GPS locations, which were wildly inaccurate. GPS has gained immense popularity thanks to the ease it can be incorporated into technology. But this ubiquity is becoming a growing vulnerability. SandboxAQ recently announced that Acubed, an Airbus company, completed what they're describing as 'rigorous real-world testing' of the touted GPS alternative, AQNav, which uses the magnetic field of the Earth along with quantum sensors that pick up the magnetic signals with the help of special AI software. Tests lasted five months and involved more than 100 flights that took place across 'diverse geographies and conditions'. According to SandboxAQ and Acubed, the test results show that AQNav 'consistently beat' the US Federal Aviation Administration's en route navigation standards. 'Pilots need to be able to trust their navigation systems,' Luca Ferrara, general manager for SandboxAQ's navigation business unit, told The National. 'When they can trust it, they're less stressed, they have less of a cognitive workload and they don't have worry about dealing with GPS loss,' he explained. SandboxAQ says that AQNav is rooted in and inspired by nature, and utilises the Earth's magnetic field, similar to how birds and other animals use it to navigate. That approach, combined with Sandbox AQ's proprietary AI software and use of hardware, gives it significantly more resilience and reliability compared to GPS, Mr Ferrara said. SandboxAQ also points out that unlike GPS, it doesn't connect to the internet, cloud or satellites. In the recent tests from Acubed, AQNav logged more than 44,000km, 'surpassing the Earth's circumference, without relying on GPS'. Mr Ferrara said more testing will now take place with hopes of eventually readying the system to be used on commercial airlines. SandboxAQ hopes to gain more insight into how to best position the magnetic censors used by the system on various aircraft, along with other details. Testing will help establish whether users would transfer navigation data to an existing computer on the plane, or a separate computer not connected to the internet or any network on board. This system is known as air-gapping, which is broadly viewed as more secure. 'Do we want it to pipe the data into the flight management computer or do we want it to go in an air-gapped way?' asked Mr Ferrara. He said Sandbox AQ currently has contracts with the US Air Force, and he expects the new navigation technology to first be adopted by defence and national security agencies, and then commercial entities. Through more testing, followed by a 'constructive dialogue' with aviation regulators around the world, Mr Ferrara said there's hope that commercial airlines will also be able to implement the system. Given the Middle East's increasingly strong presence in commercial aviation, with countries like the UAE playing a crucial role with international travel, it makes sense to push for testing among the region's airlines. 'We're looking for forward-leaning partners in the aerospace sector within the Gulf region to collaborate with,' Mr Ferrara said. He said the company is in discussions with several companies, and hopes to continue with those efforts given the Middle East's tourism footprint and globally recognised airline brands.
The National
28-07-2025
- The National
Airlines in Middle East invited to test alternative to GPS navigation system
Airlines and governments in the Middle East have been invited to take part in the ongoing testing a new navigation technology that some experts say is significantly more reliable than Global Positioning Satellite systems. SandboxAQ, a developer of products involving quantum technology and artificial intelligence, recently heralded the 'commercially available prototype' of the technology they're calling AQNav. This comes as GPS, the standard navigation system around the world, has become a victim of its own success, and is increasingly vulnerable to GPS jamming which can renders the navigation assistance unusable. GPS jamming − also known as GPS spoofing − became a prominent problem in June during the air war between Israel and Iran. Smartphone users across the Middle East reported anomalies with their GPS locations, which were wildly inaccurate. GPS has gained immense popularity thanks to the ease it can be incorporated into technology. But this ubiquity is becoming a growing vulnerability. SandboxAQ recently announced that Acubed, an Airbus company, completed what they're describing as 'rigorous real-world testing' of the touted GPS alternative, AQNav, which uses the magnetic field of the Earth along with quantum sensors that pick up the magnetic signals with the help of special AI software. Tests lasted five months and involved more than 100 flights that took place across 'diverse geographies and conditions'. According to SandboxAQ and Acubed, the test results show that AQNav 'consistently beat' the US Federal Aviation Administration's en route navigation standards. 'Pilots need to be able to trust their navigation systems,' Luca Ferrara, general manager for SandboxAQ's navigation business unit, told The National. 'When they can trust it, they're less stressed, they have less of a cognitive workload and they don't have worry about dealing with GPS loss,' he explained. SandboxAQ says that AQNav is rooted in and inspired by nature, and utilises the Earth's magnetic field, similar to how birds and other animals use it to navigate. That approach, combined with Sandbox AQ's proprietary AI software and use of hardware, gives it significantly more resilience and reliability compared to GPS, Mr Ferrara said. SandboxAQ also points out that unlike GPS, it doesn't connect to the internet, cloud or satellites. In the recent tests from Acubed, AQNav logged more than 44,000km, 'surpassing the Earth's circumference, without relying on GPS'. Mr Ferrara said more testing will now take place with hopes of eventually readying the system to be used on commercial airlines. SandboxAQ hopes to gain more insight into how to best position the magnetic censors used by the system on various aircraft, along with other details. Testing will help establish whether users would transfer navigation data to an existing computer on the plane, or a separate computer not connected to the internet or any network on board. This system is known as air-gapping, which is broadly viewed as more secure. 'Do we want it to pipe the data into the flight management computer or do we want it to go in an air-gapped way?' asked Mr Ferrara. He said Sandbox AQ currently has contracts with the US Air Force, and he expects the new navigation technology to first be adopted by defence and national security agencies, and then commercial entities. Through more testing, followed by a 'constructive dialogue' with aviation regulators around the world, Mr Ferrara said there's hope that commercial airlines will also be able to implement the system. Given the Middle East's increasingly strong presence in commercial aviation, with countries like the UAE playing a crucial role with international travel, it makes sense to push for testing among the region's airlines. 'We're looking for forward-leaning partners in the aerospace sector within the Gulf region to collaborate with,' Mr Ferrara said. He said the company is in discussions with several companies, and hopes to continue with those efforts given the Middle East's tourism footprint and globally recognised airline brands.
