R2 Wireless expands ODIN partner network across defence

R2 Wireless has expanded its partner network for the ODIN passive RF sensing platform across autonomous systems, sensors and other defence technologies.

The move brings ODIN into a wider range of defence and homeland security products, including autonomous ground vehicles, drones, command-and-control software, communications systems, interceptors and radar. The aim is to make the platform a common sensing layer across systems from different manufacturers.

ODIN is designed to detect, classify and geolocate radio frequency signals by analysing waveforms rather than decoding communications data. R2 Wireless says this allows it to identify encrypted, frequency-hopping, modified and previously unseen emitters without transmitting signals itself.

The system is intended to give operators visibility across the electromagnetic environment, including drones, control links, radios, telemetry channels and electronic warfare-related signals. That information can then be shared across connected defence systems.

Partner network

The latest group of partners includes Stridar in autonomous ground vehicles; Heven Drones, Robotican, Starling and TCOM in drone platforms; Kela Systems, BigBear.ai, Picogrid and Centinus in command and control and data fusion; Allen Control Systems in kinetic interceptors; SEMPRE AI and Raycom in communications; and Echodyne in radar.

The list spans much of the defence technology supply chain, from sensing and communications to operational software and aerial platforms. It also suggests R2 Wireless is positioning its software and hardware within larger integrated systems rather than marketing ODIN as a standalone product.

One partner, Centinus, outlined how the integration is expected to work with AI-based decision systems.

"Autonomous systems are only as effective as their ability to interpret complex environments in real time," said Ben Cheatham, CEO of Centinus. "By combining R2's advanced sensing capabilities with Centinus's AI-driven decision layer, we are enabling a system that not only detects signals, but understands intent, maintains custody and supports faster operational decisions. This integration expands situational awareness and moves protective systems from passive monitoring to active, coordinated response."

Starling also described how passive RF sensing could be used alongside one of its unmanned aircraft systems.

"Autonomous drone systems need to understand the electromagnetic environment in which they operate," said Ido Gur, CEO of Starling. "Combining passive RF sensing technologies like ODIN with platforms such as Starling's Pathfinder-X, a fixed-wing eVTOL drone-in-a-box with more than 2.5 hours of flight endurance, expands situational awareness and strengthens the broader autonomous defence ecosystem."

Operational use

ODIN has already been deployed and field-tested in several operational settings, including deployments in Israel and Europe and joint exercises with allied defence organisations. R2 Wireless says the platform has also been tested with US Army units in live force-on-force exercises at the National Training Centre, demonstrated with the US Army and US Navy, and evaluated across the DoD.

The platform has also been used with radar-based detection systems, where passive RF sensing can identify communications signals linked to drone threats before radar is activated. This points to a layered approach in which RF sensing supplements more established detection tools.

R2 Wireless says its technology was developed under operational conditions in Israel before the business expanded into Europe and the United States. The company focuses on passive radio frequency sensing for defence, public safety, border security and critical infrastructure markets.

According to R2 Wireless, it has raised more than USD $13 million to date, and its customer base includes defence and security organisations worldwide.

Cordell Bennigson, U.S. Chief Executive Officer of R2 Wireless, described the company's position in the market.

"Modern threats try to exploit gaps in sensing and defences," Bennigson said. "ODIN provides persistent, passive awareness of the RF spectrum to help close those gaps. It's always on and built with an open architecture, enabling seamless integration with other sensors and platforms."