SteerAI has signed a partnership agreement with Elistair to integrate tethered drone technology into xRift, its next-generation autonomous all-terrain vehicle unveiled at UMEX 2026.
The agreement was signed by Michael Sonderby, Acting CEO of SteerAI, and Mehrez Oueslati, Elistair’s Head of Sales for the Middle East and Africa. The collaboration expands the capabilities of the xRift platform, which is engineered for multiple off-road missions in challenging, unmapped environments.
The vehicle is designed to support diverse payloads based on mission requirements. By incorporating Elistair’s Khronos tethered drone system, the platform can deliver secure aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical communications relays in remote areas. Beyond aerial systems, the modular vehicle can also integrate weapons systems, intelligence modules, and logistical supplies.
Michael Sonderby, the Acting CEO of SteerAI, stated, “Partnering with Elistair lets us bring proven aerial capabilities to xRift clients without the delay of creating a new subsystem. Elistair’s tethered drone technology turns our modular autonomous platform into a ready-to-deploy surveillance solution, enabling persistent monitoring and security operations in challenging environments from day one.”
Tethered drone systems are designed to address challenges related to flight endurance and secure data transmission. Unlike conventional battery-powered drones, systems like the Khronos DroneBox receive continuous power and transmit data through a physical micro-tether connected to the ground vehicle, enabling extended-duration operations and secure communications.
Guilhem de Marliave, the CEO of Elistair, commented, “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 deliver persistent aerial surveillance to operators across the UAE and beyond.”
This agreement reflects SteerAI’s broader strategy to build the UAE’s autonomous systems ecosystem. The company’s initial technology stack was developed by the Technology Innovation Institute. SteerAI is also collaborating with Milrem Robotics to develop autonomous combat platforms for UAE ground forces under a safety-focused autonomy pilot program. Additionally, the company has partnered 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 deliver autonomy. Working with trusted partners allows us to provide clients with proven, well-integrated systems that meet real operational needs, while supporting the development of the UAE’s long-term autonomous capabilities.”
