SteerAI and Elistair Partner to Integrate Tethered Drone System into xRift Autonomous All-Terrain Vehicle
UAE-based SteerAI has signed a partnership agreement with French tethered drone specialist Elistair at UMEX 2026, integrating the Khronos tethered drone system into its next-generation xRift autonomous all-terrain vehicle. The collaboration enables persistent aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical communications relay in remote and challenging environments, furthering SteerAI's broader strategy to build a UAE autonomous systems ecosystem.
Highlights
- SteerAI and Elistair signed a partnership agreement at UMEX 2026 to integrate the Elistair Khronos tethered drone system into SteerAI's xRift autonomous all-terrain vehicle.
- The Khronos tethered drone provides continuous power and secure data transmission via a physical micro-tether, enabling persistent aerial surveillance without battery endurance limits.
- The xRift platform features a modular design supporting payloads including aerial drones, weapons systems, intelligence modules, and logistics equipment for diverse off-road missions.
- SteerAI is also partnering with Milrem Robotics to develop autonomous combat platforms for UAE ground forces under a security-focused pilot programme.
- SteerAI's technology stack was originally developed by the UAE's Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and the company is expanding its autonomous systems ecosystem across defence and logistics sectors.
SteerAI and Elistair Partner to Bring Tethered Drone Technology to the xRift Autonomous Vehicle
SteerAI signed a partnership agreement with Elistair — a French leader in tethered drone technology — on the sidelines of UMEX 2026, with plans to integrate tethered drone capabilities into its next-generation xRift autonomous all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
The agreement was signed by SteerAI Acting CEO Michael Sonderby and Elistair Middle East & Africa Sales Director Mehrez Oueslati. The partnership will expand the operational capabilities of the xRift platform, a vehicle designed to perform diverse off-road missions in challenging, unmapped environments.
Modular Design Supports Diverse Payloads
The xRift vehicle's modular architecture allows it to be configured with different payloads depending on mission requirements. By integrating Elistair's Khronos tethered drone system, the platform can provide secure aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical communications relay in remote locations. Beyond aerial systems, the modular vehicle can also be fitted with weapons systems, intelligence modules, and logistics supply equipment.
SteerAI Acting CEO Michael Sonderby said: "Our partnership with Elistair allows us to bring proven aerial capabilities to xRift customers without developing new subsystems from scratch. Elistair's tethered drone technology transforms our modular autonomous platform into a ready-to-deploy surveillance solution, enabling persistent monitoring and safe operations in harsh environments from day one."
Tethered Drones Address Endurance and Data Security Challenges
Tethered drone systems are designed to overcome the limitations of flight endurance and secure data transmission that affect conventional battery-powered drones. Systems such as the Khronos DroneBox receive continuous power and transmit data via a physical micro-tether connected to a ground vehicle, enabling extended flight operations and secure communications.
Elistair CEO Guilhem de Marliave commented: "The xRift's autonomous capabilities, modular design, and payload flexibility make it an ideal platform for our drone technology. This partnership with SteerAI brings together two complementary technologies to provide operators in the UAE and beyond with persistent aerial surveillance capabilities."
UAE Autonomous Systems Ecosystem Continues to Expand
The agreement reflects SteerAI's broader strategy to build a UAE-based autonomous systems ecosystem. The company's initial technology stack was developed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). SteerAI is also collaborating with Milrem Robotics to develop autonomous combat platforms for UAE ground forces under a security-focused autonomous technology pilot programme. Additionally, the company is working with noon Minutes and Micropolis to integrate its CoreConnect fleet management system into last-mile delivery and logistics operations.
Sonderby added: "Partnerships are central to how we approach autonomy. Working with trusted partners enables us to deliver validated, highly integrated systems that meet real operational needs while supporting the UAE's long-term autonomous capabilities development."
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