The Estonian start-up DefSecIntel has developed a mobile radar system that detects enemy combat drones. For this, the company received the innovation prize at the Milipol security technology trade fair in Paris.
The idea for a drone defence wall on the EU’s external border also comes from DefSecIntel CEO Jaanus Tamm: “This will allow us to intercept drones in the border region. It is a networked platform of systems mounted on trailers or minivans.”
DefSecIntel has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Latvian drone manufacturer Origin Robotics. The central element is the Blaze interceptor drone, which is already in use in Ukraine. The Baltic and Nordic EU states have also ordered Blaze, as have Poland and Belgium. Origin Robotics founder Agris Ķipurs: “We use AI models for autonomous target detection in the air. The secret to success is the software.”
Interceptor pilot Mārtiņš explains: “When a swarm of drones attacks, Blaze recognizes which combat drone is carrying ammunition.” Blaze then destroys the weaponized attacker drones. Mārtiņš emphasizes: Russian drones fly fast. But the Latvian Blaze is faster.
In conjunction with a drone early warning system, the mobile minivans are where danger threatens – and are ready for deployment in no time. Mārtiņš: “We need one minute to send out the interceptor drone.”
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently visited Origin Robotics, bringing with her 4.5 million euros in financial support from the European Defence Fund.
Latvia is coordinating the international drone coalition to support Ukraine and improve European defence capabilities. Major Modris Kairišs heads the Competence Centre for Autonomous Systems: “If combat drones attack, we must stop them at the eastern border, not in Paris or Berlin.”