Swedish defence technology company Nordic Air Defence and Volvo Defense have announced a strategic partnership to integrate counter-unmanned aircraft technology into Volvo’s VIPRO vehicle protection systems. This collaboration, unveiled at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, aims to deliver a compact and cost-effective solution to defend armoured vehicles against drone threats—a growing menace on modern battlefields.
The partnership combines Volvo’s robust transport platforms with Nordic Air Defence’s Kreuger 100XR interceptor, a cutting-edge system designed to launch projectiles against drones. The integrated VIPRO system is expected to be operational by 2026, offering a scalable defence solution tailored for mass production.
A Growing Threat
The rise of cheap, first-person-view drones—often costing less than $1,000—has transformed the battlefield. Open-source intelligence and NATO assessments reveal that drones are responsible for destroying two-thirds of Russian battlefield losses in Ukraine, including tanks, artillery, and air-defence systems. Despite the proliferation of unmanned systems, heavy trucks and troop carriers remain critical to military operations, yet they remain vulnerable to drone attacks.
Earlier this year, Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration ordered 775 trucks from Scania and Volvo to bolster the country’s armed forces, underscoring the continued importance of armoured transport. The partnership between Nordic Air Defence and Volvo Defense reflects a broader effort to strengthen European defence mobility solutions while maintaining interoperability and long-term support networks.
A European Solution to a Global Challenge
The collaboration is a testament to the growing trend of defence startups partnering with established industrial players to address emerging threats. By integrating the Kreuger 100XR interceptor into Volvo’s VIPRO system, the two companies are delivering a mobile, adaptable, and cost-effective defence solution that can be configured to meet national requirements.
“VIPRO combines Volvo’s legacy of engineering excellence with Nordic Air Defence’s cutting-edge defence innovation and agility to deliver a truly European solution to the number one threat in land warfare,” said Karl Rosander, Co-founder and CEO of Nordic Air Defence. “Together, we are shaping a defence solution that is built to serve the long-term needs of European and allied forces.”
Andreas Svenungsson, President of Volvo Defense, echoed this sentiment: “Volvo Defense sees great potential in partnering with defence technology startups. Innovations in vehicle protection are not only shaping the future of defence but also ensuring the resilience of transportation and logistics systems that societies depend upon. Through collaborations like this, we can accelerate solutions that safeguard both military and civilian mobility in an increasingly complex threat environment.”
The Kreuger 100XR interceptor, central to the VIPRO system, offers a range beyond 3 km with autonomous detection and tracking supported by embedded artificial intelligence. Its flexible design and stackable form allow integration on vehicles, vessels, and airborne systems, enhancing operational adaptability for European and allied forces.
As drone technology continues to evolve, so too must the defences against it. The partnership between Nordic Air Defence and Volvo Defense represents a significant step forward in countering this growing threat, ensuring that European forces remain agile and resilient in an ever-changing security landscape.