For decades, the Global Positioning System (GPS) has been a fundamental tool for navigation, supporting applications from everyday smartphone use to critical military operations
As dual-use technologies continue to drive economies of scale worldwide, ADASI, a leading UAV system manufacturer, has announced the adoption of two cutting-edge autonomous flight technologies developed by Abu Dhabi’s VentureOne. The technologies, Perceptra and Saluki, aim to enhance navigation resilience and security for unmanned aerial systems.
Perceptra is an advanced GPS-less navigation system, while Saluki is a high-security flight control technology designed for autonomous systems. Both have been developed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and are intended to support secure and resilient UAV operations in challenging environments. The agreement between VentureOne, ADASI, and TII was finalised at IDEX 2025, the Middle East’s largest defence exhibition, where the technologies were officially unveiled.
Juma Al Kaabi, CEO of ADASI, highlighted the importance of integrating such technologies into UAVs:
“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. Perceptra and Saluki provide exactly what next-generation UAVs require: secure, GPS-independent navigation and AI-powered mission control.”
Addressing GPS Vulnerabilities in Autonomous Systems
For decades, the Global Positioning System (GPS) has been a fundamental tool for navigation, supporting applications from everyday smartphone use to critical military operations. However, reliance on GPS has also exposed vulnerabilities, such as jamming and spoofing, which can disrupt operations.
Jamming occurs when signals on the same frequency overwhelm GPS receivers, preventing accurate location tracking, while spoofing involves transmitting fake signals to deceive GPS receivers into calculating incorrect positions or times. These risks are particularly concerning for autonomous drones, commercial aviation, and defence operations, where precision is crucial.
The increasing incidents of GPS interference have drawn the attention of international regulators such as IATA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). A 2024 Reuters report highlighted how the aviation industry is actively seeking urgent solutions to counter GPS disruptions, which can lead to navigation errors, flight path deviations, and operational disruptions.
With GPS-dependent systems playing a critical role in modern defence and transportation, the demand for alternative navigation solutions has intensified. Perceptra and Saluki provide a resilient answer to these challenges, using advanced vision-based navigation and secure mission control to enhance safety and reliability in dynamic and high-risk environments.
A Leap Forward in Autonomous Navigation
Perceptra is a vision-based navigation system that enables UAVs to operate without relying on GPS, making it ideal for GNSS-denied environments. Its visual relocking capability ensures continuous navigation, while low error margins allow for precise operations. The system is designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare applications, offering seamless integration across UAV platforms.
Saluki, on the other hand, is a secure flight controller and mission computer that operates on a Zero Trust architecture. It is PX4-compatible, features generative AI capabilities, and delivers 300 TOPS of computing power, enabling multi-vehicle management for mission-critical defence applications.
Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, emphasised the significance of these advancements:
“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 defence, 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 defence needs while positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation autonomous systems.”
Expanding the Future of Air Autonomy
Reda Nidhakou, Acting CEO of VentureOne, reinforced the company’s mission to bridge research and real-world application:
“VentureOne is dedicated to ensuring that cutting-edge research becomes reality to make a positive impact and transform industries. 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 defence. We are working on a more comprehensive air autonomy and security portfolio that will play a central role in future drone operations.”
Beyond UAVs, TII is collaborating with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to develop advanced methodologies for air corridor design. These efforts aim to optimise flight routes and reduce aerial incidents in complex urban airspaces, ensuring the safe integration of piloted and autonomous drone taxis into modern cities.
Positioning Abu Dhabi as a Leader in Next-Generation Autonomy
Both VentureOne and TII are part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which oversees Abu Dhabi’s research and development ecosystem, driving transformative technologies with global impact. Meanwhile, ADASI is a subsidiary of EDGE Group, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence conglomerates.
With technologies like Perceptra and Saluki, alongside regulatory advancements in urban airspace management, Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position as a hub for next-generation autonomous systems. These innovations not only bolster defence capabilities but also lay the foundation for safer and more resilient UAV operations across industries worldwide.
