Introduction to the Threat of Russian Drones
The scenario of Russia sending hundreds of drones into NATO airspace at the same time is a reality that the EU and NATO must prepare for, especially after last month’s airspace attacks by Russia and suspected espionage across Europe. This nighttime reality of Russia’s war in Ukraine highlights the importance of defense strategies against drone attacks.
The Challenge of Detecting and Intercepting Drones
Tomas Jermalavicius, a researcher at the International Center for Defense and Security in Tallinn, Estonia, notes that NATO radars often fail to detect incoming drones because they fly too low. Moreover, there is a lack of cost-effective ways to shoot them down. The shooting down of Russian drones over Polish airspace on September 9 exemplifies this issue, where half a million dollars worth of missiles were used against drones that cost no more than $50,000.
The Role of Startups in Drone Defense
To address this issue, Jermalavicius suggests that startups should play a central role in drone defense strategies. Startups are disrupting traditional patterns in the defense industry, and their innovative solutions are needed to accelerate developments. One such startup is Estonia’s Frankenburg Technologies, which has developed a prototype air defense platform that could be a solution to NATO’s biggest vulnerability.
Frankenburg Technologies: A Potential Solution
Frankenburg’s system aims to be 10 times cheaper than existing short-range air defense interceptors. With a NATO country as a customer and a €4 million investment, Frankenburg hopes to start producing hundreds of interceptor missiles per week. The company’s goal is to provide an affordable and scalable anti-drone system that can effectively counter the threat of Russian drones.
The Rise of Drone Startups in Europe
Startups specializing in drones and robotics have attracted more than half of all venture capital in the European defense sector. Three of the four European defense startups with a unicorn market valuation of more than a billion euros are drone manufacturers. However, the question remains whether the demand for drones in Europe is enough to support the growing number of drone startups.
Challenges Facing Drone Startups
Despite the potential of drone startups, there are challenges to overcome. Western militaries are cautious about investing in largely unproven technologies, and the increasing competition among drone startups may lead to concerns about the viability of these companies. Additionally, the demand for drones in Europe may not be enough to support the growing number of drone startups.
The Importance of Ukraine’s Expertise in Drone Defense
Ukraine’s expertise in drone defense could be crucial to expanding drone production in Europe. Startups like Frankenburg have developed ties to Ukrainian frontline units, allowing them to respond more quickly and accurately to ever-changing warfare. This kind of access to combat intelligence separates successful startups from those that are less effective.
Establishing a Legal Framework for Waging War
The ability of European startups to make a difference in countering potential Russian drone attacks also depends on EU governments cutting red tape and establishing the legal framework for waging war in peacetime. This would allow startups to develop innovative defense solutions without being restricted by laws that slow down their development.
The Value of Drone Startups in Modern Warfare
The head of Estonia’s new Force Transformation Command, Ivo Peets, believes that the value of drone startups lies in bringing a specific capability to bear. Their niche expertise can be an advantage, even a decisive one, in modern warfare. However, this advantage will eventually disappear as the battlefield evolves and the capability becomes more widely adopted.
