Vinnova and Sprind launch joint effort to develop anti-drone technology

Vinnova and the German innovation agency SPRIND are launching a European effort to develop anti-drone technology. 12 teams from different countries in Europe have now been selected to develop solutions to detect and neutralize drone threats. The initiative aims to strengthen Europe's security and competitiveness through radical innovation and cross-border cooperation.

Drones have become a rapidly growing security challenge at, for example, major events, airports and other critical infrastructure. The initiative from Vinnova and SPRIND will drive the development of completely new methods for dealing with drone threats in civilian environments – without using explosive or destructive methods.

12 teams from several countries in Europe have been selected to develop systems that can independently detect, identify and neutralize drones quickly, precisely and without causing side effects or permanent damage.
The teams will test their systems in complex and realistic scenarios with high autonomy and multiple simultaneous threats during the development period. The teams have been selected by a jury consisting of experts from several countries.

"Through this initiative, we are strengthening Sweden's and Europe's ability to handle drone threats in civilian environments. It is about comprehensive solutions to be able to detect and identify incoming objects, to make decisions about action quickly enough and to have the ability to physically prevent the threat" says Erik Borälv, head of department at Vinnova and member of the jury.

Team from Sweden

One of the teams is the Swedish CITADEL - Controlled Interceptor Drone Enhanced by LiDAR, which is developing a solution based on autonomous patrolling drones that will be able to detect, track and deal with hostile drones. The system will use directed jamming or capture, where the drone is captured and brought to a controlled soft landing.

European cooperation for the technology of the future

The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate Europe's innovation system and create opportunities for actors in multiple countries to contribute with groundbreaking technologies. Pooling resources and expertise across national borders gives Europe a better chance to address security challenges and take the lead in future technologies.

"When we bring together teams and expertise across national borders, we can create solutions that would not otherwise have been possible. Europe gets access to cutting-edge solutions and innovative startups get access to more markets" says Anna Bergstrand, who leads the work with radical innovation at Vinnova.

This article was first published on 17 March by Vinnova.