ASH SYSTEMS is joining LUMINA (Loitering Unmanned Munitions with Intelligent Networked Autonomy), a new European Defence Fund project focused on next-generation autonomous unmanned systems for contested environments.
LUMINA is our second EDF project, following SENTINEL-EMP. It marks another step in expanding our research and development activities in advanced defence technologies, while building on our experience in fire control, targeting, sensor and payload integration, and complex system integration.
Autonomous systems for a changing battlefield
Recent conflicts have demonstrated how rapidly unmanned systems are changing modern warfare. Low-cost drones can be deployed at scale, but operating effectively in contested environments presents a different set of challenges.
Electronic warfare, GNSS denial, disrupted communications and dependence on complex supply chains can significantly limit existing unmanned systems.
LUMINA addresses these challenges through an integrated ecosystem of autonomous, low-cost and mass-producible unmanned systems. The project is designed around three complementary classes: short-range loitering munitions (LUMINA-S), mid-range loitering munitions (LUMINA-M) and reusable ISR drones (LUMINA-ISR).
A central focus is the ability to operate when conventional navigation and communication cannot be taken for granted. LUMINA therefore explores autonomous navigation in GNSS-denied environments, resilient communications and coordinated swarm operations.
The aerial systems are complemented by autonomous ground carriers and portable manufacturing capabilities, with the aim of enabling scalable in-theatre production and reducing dependence on conventional supply chains.
ASH SYSTEMS in LUMINA
Within LUMINA, ASH contributes its expertise in fire control, target tracking, trajectory calculation, sensor and payload integration, and the development of defence systems for demanding operational environments.
Our work includes supporting the development of AI-based capabilities for target identification, tracking and locking, building on knowledge and technologies from our work in SENTINEL-EMP.
ASH also contributes to payload integration for the LUMINA unmanned platforms and leads the System Integration and Dry Run Testing work package. This work brings together hardware and software developed across the consortium, verifies interoperability between subsystems and prepares the integrated LUMINA prototypes for subsequent field validation.
For ASH, this combination of advanced algorithms and hands-on system integration is a natural extension of what we already do: bringing complex technologies together and making them work as a complete system.
European expertise, brought together
LUMINA brings together 10 partners from six EU Member States: Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Poland, Slovenia and Belgium.
Coordinated by IKNOWHOW SA, the consortium combines expertise from defence and technology companies, innovative SMEs and academia. Together, the partners cover autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence, secure communications, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, payloads and system integration.
The project is also supported by the Ministries of Defence of Greece, Cyprus, Poland and Slovenia, reflecting a shared European interest in strengthening capabilities in this rapidly evolving area of defence.
Complex defence systems increasingly depend on expertise that no single company or country can provide alone. Cross-border projects such as LUMINA bring these capabilities together, strengthen cooperation between European defence actors and contribute to a more resilient European Defence Technological and Industrial Base.
For ASH SYSTEMS, participation in a second European Defence Fund project is both recognition of the expertise we bring to the consortium and an opportunity to deepen it further.
Learn more about LUMINA on the European Commission website.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.