Along with the massive number of missile attacks in the Russo-Ukrainian war, Russia is now integrating more cost-effective kamikaze drones or loitering munitions into its military strategies. Even though they are slow and carry small loads compared to projectiles, swarms of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) cause more civilian and army personnel casualties. This means the early detection of such combat drones, suicide drones in this case, and adopting countermeasures for take-down is critical. That is why we researched startups developing counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) that combine both detection and mitigation capabilities to protect lives and critical infrastructure. The technology-powered solutions improve situational awareness and enable high-precision tracking and targeting of suicide drones and other UCAVs in an integrated system.
Our exhaustive research offers data-driven insights into emerging counter-drone systems, which we are covering through a three-part anti-drone technologies series. You can find the 30 innovative systems to counter UAVs across these three research articles. This report is the last in the series where we analyzed 365 drone defense systems and features 4 startups that use both detection and mitigation systems to take down rogue UAVs. For the other 26 anti-drone systems, refer to our research that separately focuses on 14 drone detection and 12 drone mitigation systems linked below.
We analyzed 274 startups and scaleups for our research on drone detection systems, the first report in the anti-drone system series. They use acoustic sensors, hybrid detectors, optical sensors, radio frequency analyzers, and more to identify rogue drones. You can find the report on 14 drone detection systems here!
For our second research on drone mitigation systems, we analyzed 91 global anti-UCAV startups and scaleups. They leverage ground-based projectiles, high-energy lasers, airborne counter drones, and more to counter UCAVs. Read our report on the 12 drone mitigation systems here!
Global Startup Heat Map covers 365 Drone Defense System Startups & Scaleups
The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the global distribution of the 365 exemplary startups & scaleups that we analyzed for this research. Created through the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, the Heat Map reveals that the US & Western Europe see the most startup activity.
Below, you get to meet 4 out of these 365 promising startups & scaleups as well as the solutions they develop. These 4 startups are hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised, & more. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.
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Top 4 Innovative Systems to Counter Drones
Marduk enables Computer Vision-powered Drone Interception
Marduk is an Estonian startup that provides Marduk Shark, a computer vision-powered drone interception solution. It is a mid-range UAV detection, tracking, and high-precision targeting system. Marduk Shark automatically identifies and verifies suspicious flying objects, tracks rogue drones, and supports direct energy effector integration. For this, the startup leverages sensor fusion, machine learning (ML), commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, and elements that do not require ITAR compliance. This integrated approach allows militaries to automate drone detection and mitigation, improving safety and operational efficiency.
D-Fend Solutions builds C-UAS Detection & Mitigation Systems
D-Fend Solutions is an Israeli scaleup that develops C-UAS detection and mitigation systems. The startup’s anti-drone system, EnforceAir, detects, locates, and identifies rogue drones and then neutralizes them using radio frequency (RF)-based takeover technology. It allows military personnel and control centers to take over drone control and land drones in predefined areas. Consequently, EnforceAir eliminates collateral damage and saves civilian lives. Further, the startup’s anti-drone management system, MSC2, controls multiple EnforceAir sensors to monitor aerial space. MSC2 also integrates into third-party control systems to provide law enforcement and military personnel with drone information and enable trigger mitigation via third-party apps.
SteelRock provides UAV Threat Detection & Neutralization Solutions
SteelRock is a US-based startup that makes UAV threat detection and neutralization solutions. The startup’s integrated counter-UAV solution, Nomadic, combines its drone neutralization systems and counter-drone module. Its anti-drone systems, the NightFighter series, utilize proprietary RF effector technology for tactical first response against combat drones. Additionally, the startup’s control module, Odin, integrates with existing air defense systems, control nodes (C2), and detect/identify/track (DIT) platforms to increase the C-UAV threat mitigation capability range. These solutions allow militaries and border security teams to safeguard strategic locations and critical infrastructure against UAV/UAS attacks.
Fortem improves Airspace Awareness and Security
Fortem is a US-based scaleup that enhances airspace awareness and security. The startup’s C-UAS solution, SkyDome System, monitors and protects aerial space. Unlike solutions that need various component integrations from multiple vendors, Fortem develops end-to-end solutions for effective UAV detection and mitigation. This includes a long-range pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) to provide visual validation as well as a low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) radar and ground-based radar unit for classification. The startup also offers artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated C-UAS command and control software along with a fully autonomous drone interceptor, DroneHunter F700. The drone interceptor fire rapidly expanding nets to capture target drones. Using these drone counter systems, militaries are able to mitigate system compatibility issues and ensure safe drone takedowns.
Discover all 30 Startups & Systems to Counter Drones
Startups and scaleups are leveraging RF jammers, high-power electromagnetics, thermal detectors, and more to tackle the growing threat of drones, UCAVs, and loitering munitions. Moreover, counter-drone technologies that use both detection and mitigation systems enable quick threat response. For more such solutions, get in touch with us.
We also analyzed anti-drone technologies to identify systems that separately detect and mitigate combat drones and other UAVs. You can find the links to the research below.
Read these reports: 14 Combat Drone Detection Systems & 12 Combat Drone Mitigation Systems
