Embention has unveiled an upgraded version of its Veronte KAI flight control computer at MSPO 2026, introducing new navigation, artificial intelligence and positioning capabilities for one-way kinetic drones, loitering munitions and C-UAS platforms. The updated system combines a tactical inertial measurement unit with vision-based navigation and radio-frequency positioning technologies intended to maintain flight control and guidance when GNSS is unavailable, degraded or spoofed.
The Veronte KAI flight controller uses a configurable three-layer positioning, navigation and timing architecture incorporating inertial navigation, AI-based Vision PNT and RF PNT technologies.
Veronte KAI Flight Controller Adds Three-Layer PNT Architecture
The upgraded KAI incorporates a modular three-layer PNT architecture designed for operations in contested and GNSS-denied environments.
Alternative positioning sources provide real-time sensor information to the flight-control and guidance architecture when conventional GNSS navigation cannot be used reliably.
The architecture combines:
- Safety-critical flight control and inertial navigation
- Vision PNT using AI and computer vision
- RF PNT using LEO satellite signals, GNSS and 4G/LTE positioning
The configurable architecture allows system integrators to select positioning modules based on individual operational requirements.
Tactical IMU Supports High-Dynamic Drone Maneuvers
The flight-control layer incorporates an upgraded tactical IMU designed to operate during maneuvers reaching 40g and rotational rates of up to 2,000 degrees per second.
The onboard sensor suite also includes:
- Magnetometer
- Barometer
- Pitot-static sensor
- Tactical inertial measurement unit
These sensors provide air data and inertial navigation information that can be used when GNSS signals are unavailable.
According to Embention, the flight-control architecture is designed for deterministic, safety-critical operation and follows DO-178C software and DO-254 hardware certification standards.
KAI also incorporates fail-safe warhead activation logic developed for one-way kinetic aircraft.
AI Vision PNT Supports GNSS-Denied Navigation
The Veronte KAI flight controller uses a dual-camera architecture for navigation and terminal guidance.
During the navigation phase, one camera is dedicated to positioning in GNSS-denied environments.
The Vision PNT system uses several computer vision technologies:
- Visual odometry
- Terrain map matching
- Simultaneous localization and mapping
- Optical flow
These technologies are designed to maintain aircraft positioning when GNSS signals are unavailable or jammed.
Second Camera Provides AI Terminal Guidance
A second camera functions as an optical seeker during the terminal guidance phase.
The camera works with an AI-based target acquisition and autonomous optical tracking module to provide target lock-on and terminal guidance.
KAI uses onboard edge AI and computer vision to support:
- Autonomous target recognition
- Optical target tracking
- Target lock-on
- Dynamic terminal guidance shaping
The architecture allows an operator to designate a target and specify a desired impact angle, while autonomous functions can support target identification and tracking.
The system separates en-route navigation from terminal guidance, with navigation maintaining the aircraft’s flight path and terminal guidance providing the final positioning function during the approach to a designated target.
RF PNT Combines LEO, GNSS and 4G/LTE Positioning
The RF PNT layer provides additional navigation references using multiple radio-frequency sources.
According to Embention, the system incorporates Low Earth Orbit satellite navigation references with signals up to 1,000 times stronger than traditional GNSS constellations.
The company said the stronger signals are intended to improve acquisition, resistance to jamming and positioning integrity.
The RF PNT architecture also incorporates a high-performance GNSS module compatible with Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna technology for jammer mitigation.
An integrated 4G/LTE receiver provides network-based positioning as another navigation source.
Veronte KAI Targets Scalable Defense Production
Embention designed the updated KAI architecture for high-volume defense manufacturing and production scaling.
Manufacturing features include:
- Streamlined production architecture
- Automated testing
- Custom harness integration
- Reduced assembly requirements
- Production processes intended to support unit-to-unit reliability
Embention offers manufacturing capabilities in Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United States to support different procurement and localization requirements.
According to the company, the platform is NDAA and Blue UAS compliant.
The upgraded Veronte KAI flight controller combines high-dynamic inertial sensing, AI-based computer vision, LEO satellite references, anti-jamming GNSS and 4G/LTE positioning within a modular architecture developed for one-way drones, loitering munitions and C-UAS platforms operating in contested environments.
Source: Press release from Embention
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