Israel's borders to be reinforced with cutting-edge defense tech from Autonomous Guard, Kela

This joint effort is designed to deliver rapid-deployment, soldier-operated defense solutions tailored to evolving threats on the ground.

“The collaboration with Kela is a strategic and significant move as part of the development of our operations,” said Baruch Dilion, CEO of Autonomous Guard.

“This initiative will enable the integration of the groundbreaking technology brought by our subsidiaries into Kela’s modular: An open, secure platform with proven operational experience. The collaboration will provide a comprehensive, high-quality solution that offers optimal protection for our forces in the field.”

Autonomous Guard’s Skylock division specializes in drone detection and neutralization, while Beesense Sensor Systems is a pioneer in border threat detection across land, air, and sea.

According to a statement announcing the partnership, they will leverage Autonomous Guard’s existing client channels to deliver Kela’s systems to third-party customers, particularly for deployment in forward operating positions.

The companies view the agreement as aligned with their strategic goals and as a milestone in their shared vision to enhance Israel’s defense posture through technological innovation. Specific terms of system delivery and payment will be determined in future agreements based on the MoU.

The company’s platforms are designed to incorporate both civilian and military technologies without dependence on a single manufacturer or the need to replace existing infrastructure.

Speaking to The Jerusalem Post, Hamutal Meridor, the co-founder and president of Kela, said that the company was founded “in July 2024, post-October 7, as part of the next generation of Israeli defense companies that unite our national culture with IDF talent.”

She added that the Israeli ecosystem is based on the “ability to deploy fast and prove our product in live operational settings... Our entire ecosystem is forward deployed.”

Meridor explained that Kela’s software is built on open architecture and open platforms, enabling collaboration that directly empowers soldiers.

“The battlefield is changing. This new partnership is to integrate fast and deploy fast iterations under fire. If we can collaborate and bring more value and speed to fighters, that is our mission,” she said. And the solution is simple. “If you have an iPhone, you can operate Kela.”

Dilion explained that Autonomous Guard’s “tech and Kela’s solutions are designed for people who don’t understand technology but understand what they need to do.”

“The human-machine interface is straightforward to use in both systems. Soldiers can use it several hours after they start learning the technology. At the end of the day, it’s still supporting the decision-making of the soldier. The goal is to help the soldier make the best decision possible,” he said.

Reflecting on lessons from recent conflicts – from Gaza to Ukraine – Meridor noted that the home front is the new frontline.

“Hamas crossed into Israel, and once they were inside, we had nothing to protect our civilians. If drones cross into critical assets, it’s a significant danger. There are multiple threats, each of them unique.”

“We cannot neglect any border, and any violation of the border should be treated immediately for deterrence,” Dillon said.

For him, the most critical lesson from October 7 was that one cannot neglect any border. “Every border has its own threat, and they are all different. Every border has to be well organized and well defended, depending on the threat. The border line will always be crossed, and we should look at the border not just as a line, but as a whole area that needs to be protected.”

Working with Israeli security forces for a significant period of time, Autonomous Guard has placed its technology on every border.

“We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Autonomous Guard and thereby contribute to reinforcing the defense array along the country’s borders,” said Kela CEO Alon Dror.

“We are committed to integrating the most advanced technologies at frontline positions and providing our soldiers with the best tools. This collaboration marks a significant step in maintaining security and advancing defense capabilities within the IDF,” he continued.

Stressing Kela’s national focus, Meridor told the Post that “Kela is very focused on building for Israel. That’s why we were founded, and national champions have to serve their country first.”

“We are working on expanding into Western countries, but we are not there yet. The entire Western world is in dire need of solutions that work, and Israel can provide a lot of those. I see great opportunities for Israeli tech in the West,” Meridor said.

As Israel continues to face complex and evolving security challenges, this partnership signals a proactive step toward building a more agile and resilient border defense infrastructure, one that integrates speed and modularity, with soldier-centric design at its core.