ByANNA AHRONHEIM

JULY 16, 2026 09:26

Israeli defense technology firms Airwayz and Tenna Systems have formed a strategic alliance that integrates Tenna's live spectrum analysis tools directly into OVERWATCH, Airwayz's command and control platform for airspace oversight. The combined solution is already active under Israel's National Drone Initiative (INDI) and continues to gain new data features in ongoing field use.

"OVERWATCH enables full airspace oversight by tracking aircraft positions and broadcast zones, functioning much like a traditional control tower," Airwayz CEO Eyal Zor explained to Defense and Tech. "The disorder in lower altitude drone traffic, whether at 400 feet or up to 7,000 feet, highlighted the risks of unregulated skies and the lost opportunities for drone applications. Modern airspace governance now centers on drones and autonomous platforms."

Zor characterized OVERWATCH as the central system for managing the busy lower airspace layers, covering route planning, shared situational awareness, and complete operational oversight.

Airwayz's OVERWATCH serves military, law enforcement, and infrastructure clients globally, such as the IDF, the Port of Rotterdam, and Israel's National Drone Initiative. Operations span the Middle East, United States, and Europe.

"Effective airspace command requires awareness of interference along with current RF and GPS data," he noted. "In urban settings or combat zones, spectrum details prove essential. Lacking oversight prevents control, and missing data blocks all action. Tenna supplies the spectrum details."

The partnership delivers a single operational view that merges airspace coordination with live radio frequency monitoring for defense and security teams. This feature helps spot potential RF disruption areas ahead of missions and preserves control even in GPS-denied settings, according to Airwayz.

Commercial drone users stand to gain as well, with early insight into spectrum-heavy zones and full RF visibility prior to any flight launch.

From Cockpit Experience to Corporate Partnership

The link between Zor and Tenna CEO Avner Bendheim predates the OVERWATCH project. Zor noted that their joint effort stems from shared service in the Israel Air Force, blending personal ties with professional goals.

"Our time together in service created a personal bond," he said. "It is rewarding to see this extend beyond flight operations."

Bendheim highlighted Israel's dense airspace as an ideal proving ground, yet the technology is expanding internationally as nations prioritize airspace security.

"Nations worldwide recognize airspace control as a pressing concern," he observed. "Global observers are taking note, and even regions without prior conflict exposure can face sudden shifts. The UAE shifted from calm to contested conditions in recent months."

"These tools cross borders freely, and much of our work occurs overseas," he added. "We merged proven high-TRL technologies into a powerful resource that protects lives and autonomous assets."

Navigating Crowded Airspace

The effort launched through INDI, where Tenna's analysis layer first joined OVERWATCH, before growing into wider operational use.

"RF interference ranks among the most overlooked risks to reliable airspace activity," Zor stated. "Adding Tenna's layer to OVERWATCH lets defense and security users access both airspace management and electromagnetic awareness within one view."

Bendheim noted that the solution tackles issues common to both commercial and defense users.

"Spectrum interference affects commercial and defense flights alike," he said. "The OVERWATCH link places our live RF data inside the systems operators already trust. Visibility into the spectrum ahead of launch transforms operations, whether for drone routes or complex zones. INDI served as strong validation."

Tenna Systems, established in 2023 with bases in Tel Aviv and New York, offers software spectrum intelligence that merges airborne, satellite, and ground sources to spot disruptions, locate transmitters, and bolster electronic warfare defenses without extra hardware. Its clients span commercial, civil, and infrastructure sectors in Israel and the United States.

"Airspace once meant height limits, yet today it demands advanced management for remote autonomous platforms," Bendheim said. "Boundaries are fading as focus shifts to the systems themselves, both manned and unmanned."

"We deliver the intelligence layer that helps commercial, government, and military clients map the spectrum, locate emitters, and build resilience across platforms," he said. "Beyond intelligence alone, we support true autonomy. Supplying this layer to OVERWATCH represents a logical step toward autonomy across domains."