French, Ukrainian startups integrate guidance systems and drones

French startup Alta Ares has agreed to integrate its guidance software with Ukrainian startup General Cherry’s interceptor drones, to improve their target tracking and interception, even in contested environments.

The agreement, announced on 3 August by Alta Ares, will specifically see the French company’s Pixel Lock and Cyclop C2 AI systems integrated with General Cherry’s Bullet counter-UAS interceptor.

Integrating AI guidance in GNSS-denied environments

According to Alta Ares, Pixel Lock is designed to detect, identify, and track airborne targets before guiding an interceptor to its objective, while the Cyclop C2 system handles in-flight guidance.

By leveraging multiple sensors and computer vision, the software remains operable in GNSS-denied and electronically contested environments, Alta Ares says.

“Alta Ares brings the strong AI side, we bring a drone the war itself already tested,” Stanislav Hryshyn, co-founder of General Cherry, said. “Together it's a finished product, not a prototype, and it's needed now.”

European defence collaboration and funding

The agreement will reinforce European-Ukrainian cooperation in the development of counter-UAS capabilities, Alta Ares says.

The French startup has been widening its cooperation with other companies, signing an agreement in June with France-based MBDA to produce an “interception solution suited to mass-deployment needs”.

This forms part of the Light Equipment for Autonomous System Interception (ELISA) innovation partnership, a EUR18.7 million programme launched by France's Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) in April 2026. It aims to develop low-cost interceptors to counter threats like Shahed-type drones.

Similarly, General Cherry has also announced deals to collaborate with other European companies. The company partnered with Croatian UAS manufacturer Orqa FPV in April, which will allow Orqa FPV to market General Cherry’s products outside of Ukraine.

These moves are backed by increased support for Ukrainian drone manufacturers from the EU. The EU Commission released an additional EUR3.47 billion on 30 July for drones and air defence systems through the Ukraine Support Loan, a mechanism to fund the country’s budgetary and defence needs.

The EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance was also formally launched on 17 July, which will bring together defence stakeholders to strengthen European and Ukrainian defence by “supporting a strong drone industry.”