Air Defence Startups

In 2025 year, the world of security and defense will witness significant changes due to the introduction of new technologies in the field of air defense. The existing threats from drones and other unconventional means of warfare require innovative approaches to defense. In this context, several military startups come to the forefront, which are very active in developing their solutions aimed at defense needs.

Shield AI

One of the most notable players in the market is Shield AI, a US-based company founded in 2015. This startup has become known for developing autonomous drones that can perform a variety of tasks, including reconnaissance. Their main product, the V-BAT drone, is unique in that it can function even when communications are jammed. This is especially important in modern combat environments, where traditional communications systems can be disabled by the enemy. Shield AI recently raised $240 million in funding, raising its valuation to over $5 billion.

Helsing

No less interesting is the German startup Helsing, which began operations in 2021 and quickly gained attention thanks to its developments based on artificial intelligence. Helsing develops military solutions that involve the use of HX-2 drones, which allows collecting and processing data from various sensors. These technologies allow real-time analysis of the battlefield and provide the necessary information for making operational decisions. The company has attracted more than 761.5 million euros in investments and has strategic partnerships with giants such as Airbus and Saab.

Panoptes

The Panoptes project is a modular system that was initially created for military purposes, such as detection and tracking of various flying objects, as well as their integration with strike systems. However, its capabilities are not limited to the military sphere. In the civilian environment, Panoptes can be used to solve problems related to drone detection, bird monitoring and control, as well as ensuring general airspace security.

ARX

Munich-based startup ARX specializes in developing autonomous drone systems and sensors that are designed to improve the efficiency of the defense sector in Europe. Founded in 2021, ARX aims to provide modern technical solutions that help NATO armies and first responders cope with complex tasks. In its short existence, the startup has already attracted around €1.1 million in investment, indicating high interest in their products and technologies.

Lambda Automata

Lambda Automata, a Greek startup based in Athens, offers revolutionary solutions in the field of autonomous surveillance and protection systems, providing real-time analytics to operate in complex and changing environments. Its technology aims to protect European democracies by monitoring borders and critical infrastructure. Also founded in 2021, Lambda Automata has already raised €6 million in investment, which confirms the demand for their solutions in the market.

Orbotix

Orbotix, a Romanian company based in Brasov, has established itself in recent years as an expert in autonomous drones and robotics for government and defense purposes. Founded in 2023, it has focused on developing its OROS AI technology, which not only detects threats but also performs autonomous targeting. This makes the system particularly valuable in rapidly changing combat environments that require high precision and speed of response. Despite its relatively short existence, Orbotix has already attracted €500,000 in investment, indicating high interest in its products.

Epirus

An american company Epirus offers a completely innovative approach to combating unmanned aerial vehicles. Their development is an artificial intelligence-driven system for countering UAVs. The patented software-defined electromagnetic pulse (EMP) system can effectively neutralize not only single drones, but also their swarms, which is especially relevant in the context of growing threats from drones both in one country and at the global level. This technology makes the protection process more flexible and adaptive, which is especially valuable in both defensive and public applications.

Fortem Technologies

Fortem Technologies, another player in the military startup field, is focused on radar systems for detecting aerial objects. Their DroneHunter product is an autonomous solution aimed at perimeter defense. It is capable of not only detecting but also classifying hostile drones, effectively neutralizing them at a safe distance without the risk of collateral damage. This capability makes the system ideal for protecting critical infrastructure and large crowds, ensuring safety in a wide range of circumstances.

Alpine Eagle

German startup Alpine Eagle has made significant progress with its Sentinel Counter-UAS system. This product uses AI technologies and high-performance computing resources to detect, classify and neutralize UAVs, allowing it to successfully operate even in heavily loaded and complex conditions. The system can be controlled by a single operator, which greatly simplifies its implementation in existing defense structures. It is known that Alpine Eagle has already attracted $10.25 million in investments and is actively testing its system in Ukraine, emphasizing its commitment to real combat conditions.

Anduril Industries

The Anduril’s key product is the Roadrunner drone, which combines advanced navigation and object recognition technologies to perform complex missions in combat environments. The drone is designed for surveillance, reconnaissance and, most importantly, can be used in joint combat networks, linking data with other systems and ensuring a high degree of coordination. The Roadrunner is also capable of operating in challenging climatic and tactical conditions, making it a versatile tool for military operations!