World Defense Show 2026: MARSS Displays New Nation Shield Air Defence C2 System

Why It Matters

Nation Shield brings AI‑driven, forward‑deployed C2 to the battlefield, enhancing rapid response to emerging aerial threats and reshaping air‑defence market dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Nation Shield extends C2 to dismounted, vehicle forces.
• Provides AI‑driven, edge‑to‑HQ operating picture.
• Enhances defense against large‑area aerial threats.
• Integrates Autonomous Mission Management for faster decisions.
• Unveiled at World Defense Show 2026, targeting global markets.

Pulse Analysis

The evolution from NiDAR to Nation Shield reflects a broader shift in military command‑and‑control toward decentralized, AI‑enhanced architectures. Traditional C2 hubs have long been anchored in static, headquarters‑level nodes, limiting responsiveness for forward units. By pushing the operating picture to the edge, Nation Shield enables troops on the ground to access real‑time situational awareness, a capability increasingly vital as adversaries employ swarms of drones and hypersonic platforms.

Technically, Nation Shield leverages the Edge‑to‑Mission‑Command (E2MC) framework, stitching together sensor feeds, vehicle telemetry, and airborne data into a single coherent view. Its Autonomous Mission Management layer applies machine‑learning algorithms to prioritize threats, recommend engagement options, and even execute pre‑programmed responses without human latency. This AI‑driven decision loop shortens the kill chain, allowing dismounted squads and armored convoys to counter aerial incursions before they breach defensive perimeters. Moreover, the system’s modular design supports integration with existing radar, missile, and electronic‑warfare suites, offering a plug‑and‑play upgrade path for legacy platforms.

From a market perspective, Nation Shield positions MARSS to compete with established C2 vendors such as Lockheed Martin and Thales, especially in regions prioritizing rapid, low‑cost air‑defence modernization. The system’s forward‑deployment focus aligns with the growing demand for agile, network‑centric solutions in contested environments across the Middle East, Indo‑Pacific, and Eastern Europe. As militaries worldwide grapple with the proliferation of cheap, high‑volume aerial threats, platforms that combine AI, edge computing, and interoperable C2 are likely to become cornerstone investments, making Nation Shield a timely addition to the defence technology portfolio.

World Defense Show 2026: MARSS displays new Nation Shield air defence C2 system

10 February 2026 · 14:04 GMT · by Damian Kemp (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

The improved version of NiDAR, Nation Shield, provides C2 capability for dismounted and vehicle forces. (Photo: MARSS)

Nation Shield is the latest iteration of the MARSS C2 system and is designed to provide C2 further forward along with more capable air‑defence.

Technology company MARSS (Marine And Remote Sensing Solutions) has unveiled a next‑generation version of its NiDAR C2 systems, dubbed Nation Shield, to join the growing number of solutions for the defeat of large‑area aerial threats.

The original NiDAR system was designed to provide ship‑based or fixed‑site protection, with Autonomous Mission Management (AMM) providing further capability. According to the company, Nation Shield is designed to provide a single, coherent operating picture, from edge to mission command (E2MC), enabling faster, AI‑driven decision‑making.

The E2MC aspect, which takes the system beyond larger headquarters or vehicle operation to forward‑deployed, distinguishes the …

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Author: Damian Kemp

Publication: Shephard Media – Land Warfare section