Volvo Defense and Swedish defense startup Nordic Air Defence have joined forces to develop a cutting-edge counter-unmanned aerial system (c-UAS) designed to protect military vehicles from drone threats. The partnership, announced at a defense technology convention in London, aims to deliver the VIPRO solution by 2026—a modular, AI-driven system that integrates Nordic’s Kreuger 100XR interceptor onto Volvo’s tactical truck platforms.
The VIPRO system will feature a pod-based launcher capable of engaging hostile drones within a 3-kilometer (2-mile) range. The Kreuger 100XR interceptor, powered by artificial intelligence, offers autonomous detection and tracking, ensuring rapid response to emerging threats. Its modular design allows for deployment across land, sea, and airborne platforms, enhancing its versatility in various operational environments.
The collaboration comes as militaries worldwide grapple with the escalating use of low-cost tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in modern conflicts. In Ukraine, first-person view drones priced under $1,000 have proven devastating, targeting and destroying tanks, artillery, and air-defense systems. According to NATO and open-source assessments, these drones are responsible for nearly two-thirds of Russian vehicle losses. The vulnerability of trucks and troop carriers—critical for transporting supplies and personnel—has become increasingly apparent, underscoring the urgent need for advanced countermeasures.
Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration recently ordered 775 trucks from Volvo and Scania to bolster its armed forces, reinforcing the military’s reliance on robust and protected logistics solutions. This acquisition highlights the strategic importance of safeguarding transport assets against evolving aerial threats.
“Innovations in vehicle protection are not only shaping the future of defense but also ensuring the resilience of transportation and logistics systems that societies depend upon,” said Volvo Defense President Andreas Svenungsson. “Through collaborations like this, we can accelerate solutions that safeguard both military and civilian mobility in an increasingly complex threat environment.”
The VIPRO system represents a significant step forward in counter-UAS technology, combining Volvo’s engineering expertise with Nordic Air Defence’s advanced interceptor systems. As drone warfare continues to evolve, this partnership could set a new standard for protecting military and civilian assets from aerial threats. By integrating AI-driven detection and modular deployment capabilities, the VIPRO solution aims to provide a scalable and adaptable defense mechanism for the modern battlefield.