Synergy Between Two Israeli Defense Companies Redefines Multi-Layered Defense

Two Israeli defense firms, Skylock and BeeSense, now under Autonomous Guard, unite counter-drone and sensing technologies for a multi-layered defense solution.

Skylock’s defense system. Courtesy of the company

Autonomous Guard, the new parent company of Skylock and BeeSense, has placed itself at the center of one of the defense industry’s fastest-growing arenas: multi-layered protection systems designed to counter aerial and ground-level threats. The mid-2025 merger of the two firms – Skylock, a leader in counter-UAS technology, and BeeSense, a veteran developer of surveillance and sensing systems – was meant to form a single entity capable of providing end-to-end defense solutions, from detection and classification to jamming and physical interception.

“This merger was no coincidence,” says Baruch Dillion, CEO of Autonomous Guard, in an interview with Techtime. “There’s a natural synergy between the two companies – one sees from above, the other from below. Together, they provide a full-spectrum defensive response – on land, in the air, and at sea. The threat is only growing, and we’re ready with a comprehensive, multi-layered answer.”

One Integrated Protective Envelope

The vision behind the merger is to create a unified defensive ecosystem capable of detecting, identifying, and neutralizing threats in real time. Skylock covers the aerial layer – detecting and neutralizing hostile drones – while BeeSense provides the terrestrial layer through wide-range observation and sensor systems. Together they offer defense customers in Israel and abroad an integrated architecture under a single command-and-control system.

Financial data from the most recent semi-annual report highlight the potential of this merger. Skylock, listed as the group’s Counter-Drone Systems Division, recorded $12.4 million in revenue in 2024 with a net profit of about $3 million. In the first half of 2025, however, sales dropped sharply, which the company attributes mainly to delivery delays and one-off integration costs following the merger.

Today, Skylock operates in over 40 countries and is considered a leading global player in counter-UAS defense – a field that has exploded following the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Its systems combine radar, electro-optical sensors, AI-based signal processing, and advanced jamming capabilities. At the core of its portfolio are the SkyDome and Portable Dome systems – stationary and mobile solutions for detecting and neutralizing drones – as well as SkyBeam and Doberman, which provide tiered, adaptive jamming options. The company serves militaries, airports, energy facilities, and critical infrastructure worldwide, and is also developing a laser-based “hard-kill” interceptor for fully autonomous neutralization when communication is lost.

“The system can recommend or let the operator decide – everything is up to the user,” explains Dillion. “We’re talking about controlled autonomy – technology that continues to operate even without communication links.”

Covering Every Range

BeeSense, meanwhile, brings nearly three decades of expertise in observation and sensor systems. Founded in 1996 by veterans of Israel’s elite Unit 81, the company underwent major restructuring after years of losses. It is now profitable again, operating mainly in the Israeli market with systems deployed along the nation’s borders and in use by the IDF and the Ministry of Defense.

“BeeSense is not just a product company – it’s a systems integrator,” says Dillion. “Its core strength is in merging sensors, cameras, and communication into one coherent defensive network. That’s exactly where the synergy with Skylock lies: BeeSense secures the ground, Skylock protects the skies.”

BeeSense posted $10.4 million in 2024 revenue and about $1.3 million in net profit. In the first half of 2025, revenues reached $6.3 million, signaling continued growth. Its large-scale projects include perimeter protection for borders, coastlines, ports, and critical infrastructure.

BeeSense specializes in fusing day- and night-vision cameras, radar, and acoustic sensors, often with on-board edge processing that removes dependency on communications networks. At the heart of its product family is the Mantis long-range observation system—capable of identifying movement or potential threats from tens of kilometers away in difficult weather conditions. The Mantis is now widely deployed by Israel’s defense forces and is seen as a key growth engine for the company. Alongside it stands the Firefly system, which integrates optical and radar sensors to deliver full-area coverage even in poor visibility.

“We have several product lines with virtually no direct competition,” Dillion says. “The Mantis, for example, is one of the few systems of its kind anywhere in the world, and we view it as a major driver of growth.”

A Unified Defense Ecosystem

The merger between Skylock and BeeSense creates a nearly seamless connection between antennas, radars, lasers, and optics, positioning Autonomous Guard as a one-stop provider of integrated defense solutions. While Skylock shields against aerial threats, BeeSense protects the ground, and their unified platform synchronizes both layers in real time.

In today’s global defense landscape – where recent conflicts have shown how drones can redefine warfare – the demand for intelligent, multi-layered protection systems is surging. Governments and security agencies are seeking integrated, AI-driven solutions capable of adapting to rapidly changing combat conditions.

“Our vision is to deliver a truly holistic solution,” concludes Dillion. “A seamless fusion of sensing, processing, and active defense that provides complete protection around any facility, base, or border. That’s the future of modern defense – and we’re already there.”