SEMPRE Accelerates Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Innovation with Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRI)
At a glance:
SEMPRE is accelerating Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (c-UAS) innovation through its partnership with the Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRI), supporting the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) requirements and real-world demonstration testing of a multi-sensor, edge-based solution. In simple terms, the SEMPRE integrates technologies from a growing roster, with current partners including Dedrone by Axon, Robin Radar Systems, Teledyne FLIR Defense, AeroVironment and BlueHalo, into its c-UAS ecosystem to help operators detect, locate and track a drone in real time, while integrated systems can also help identify the operator’s position.
We’re creating an environment where emerging technologies can be tested and refined in direct support of mission requirements. This partnership bridges innovation and operational need in a way that benefits both the warfighter and the broader ecosystem. Warren Ward, Executive Director of LTRI
What’s happening at LTRI:
SEMPRE has deployed expeditionary digital infrastructure and integrated sensing capabilities at LTRI to support testing and evaluation of c-UAS technology. The Bossier City, LA site provides a secure, flexible environment for demonstration, testing and validation outside of on-base constraints.
The program builds on SEMPRE’s existing collaboration with the AFGSC leadership and has expanded into a sustained development effort, including system integration, performance validation, and preparation for broader deployment. A student-led testing initiative is also underway, using custom-built drones to simulate real-world threat scenarios.
Why it matters in c-UAS:
From military installations to upcoming National Special Security Events (NSSEs) like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recent developments have underscored that drone threats are now a broader national security challenge. c-UAS remains a complex challenge across the Department of War, but the mission also extends across homeland security, public safety and multi-agency response. Most C-UAS solutions are still deployed one at a time and integrated later, if at all. This approach slows fielding and increases operator burden by forcing teams to manage multiple interfaces and disconnected systems. It also leaves communication between operators, leadership and multi-agency teams too siloed.
At the same time, low-cost, commercially available drones are proliferating quickly and are increasingly difficult to detect, track and respond using legacy systems.
A more integrated, open approach is needed, one that combines multiple sensing capabilities, operates at the edge, and supports coordinated response across commands and agencies. Above all, it must be able to evolve with the threat instead of locking operators into a one-use solution.
The big picture:
SEMPRE is reducing cost and complexity of c-UAS deployments by collaborating with partners to bring multiple vendors into an integrated operational system. By handling the integration work upfront, SEMPRE reduces multiple point solution deployments with a more unified approach. The result reduces operator burden, shortens the path from detection to decision and increases the probability of effective response.
Most importantly, it creates a future-proof infrastructure foundation built to keep pace with evolving threats and emergent solutions.
The LTRI environment allows for rapid iteration and validation in ways that are not possible on traditional military installations. By bringing together industry, government and academia, the program accelerates development while preparing the technology for operational deployment.
“Counter-UAS today is fragmented, with limited ability to share data or scale solutions across installations,” said Jason Wisenhunt, Counter-UAS Solutions Manager at SEMPRE. “What we’re building at LTRI demonstrates a different model: an open, integrated platform that gives commanders the visibility and tools they need to respond in real time.”
“We’re creating an environment where emerging technologies can be tested and refined in direct support of mission requirements,” said Warren Ward, Executive Director of LTRI. “This partnership bridges innovation and operational need in a way that benefits both the warfighter and the broader ecosystem.”
“For students, this is a rare opportunity to work on real systems solving real problems,” said Jack Smithey, Louisiana Tech’s Director of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. “We’re gaining hands-on experience that directly connects to national security challenges.”
What’s next:
Testing at LTRI will continue through the spring, including a 30-day evaluation aligned with Global Strike Command requirements. SEMPRE is also advancing integration efforts at Barksdale Air Force Base and progressing toward Authority to Operate (ATO) approval for its C-UAS solution.
The partnership will continue to expand, including engagement with university leadership, additional testing scenarios, and broader collaboration across defense and academic stakeholders.
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About SEMPRE
SEMPRE delivers hardened digital infrastructure services for organizations that need AI-enabled operations to run securely and predictably at the edge. By integrating compute, connectivity, networking, and security, SEMPRE enables resilient operations wherever mission success depends on real-time data.
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