Estonian defence companies brought camera-based drone detectors and mobile interception systems to Tallinn Defence EXPO, reports Euronews.
More than 100 companies, including firms from Estonia’s defence industry, exhibited at the event, according to Euronews Next. The expo was part of Estonian Defence Week, which drew around 4,500 visitors from 56 countries over five days. The exhibitors showed how they detect small drones, decide which ones pose a threat and intercept them.
Defence against drones needs several sensors
Estonian optical-systems company Marduk Technologies presented a passive camera-based system. Its software classifies what the cameras see, distinguishing a drone from a bird or helicopter. Unlike radar, the optical system does not emit a signal that could reveal its position. Chief executive Leet Rauno Lember said the cameras complement radar, acoustic sensors and radio-frequency detection rather than replace them.
The limits differ by technology, Lember told Euronews. Acoustic sensors have a range of only a few hundred metres, while a small electric drone may be difficult to hear. Radar covers longer distances but can miss aircraft made of lightweight foam. “All of the layers are complementing each other,” he said. Marduk’s optical detection forms one layer in a wider counter-drone setup.
Estonian surveillance and counter-drone company DefSecIntel demonstrated Eirshield, a mobile system that brings optical, radar, acoustic and radio-frequency sensors together. An operator can track a detected drone and select an interceptor. The options described by company founder Jaanus Tamm include jammers, interceptor drones and lasers. The company’s approach is to add sensors or countermeasures as threats change.
Robots take on dangerous ground tasks
Euronews also visited the Tallinn factory of Estonian robotics manufacturer Milrem Robotics. Its THeMIS tracked unmanned ground vehicle can carry equipment for reconnaissance, mine clearing, logistics and casualty evacuation. The modular vehicle can also be fitted with weapons. The company says its vehicles are already being used in Ukraine; they are remotely controlled and partly autonomous.
Milrem has opened a THeMIS production line in the Netherlands with VDL Defentec, with the first Dutch-made vehicles handed over for delivery to Ukraine. Asked about production capacity, Milrem executive Raul Rikk declined to provide a precise figure to Euronews and said the company could expand output by setting up production elsewhere.
Read the full Euronews article.
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