German defense technology startup Alpine Eagle has secured €10.25 million in seed funding to further develop its air-to-air counter-drone system. The funding round was led by IQ Capital, with participation from HTGF, Expeditions Fund and Sentris Capital, alongside existing investors General Catalyst and HCVC.
Founded in 2023 by Jan-Hendrik Boelens , former Airbus chief engineer, Volocopter CTO, Quantum Systems CTO and Timo Breuer, former Microsoft Research and Fraunhofer Gesellschaft scientist, Alpine Eagle has developed an innovative air-to-air counter-drone system. The company’s proprietary Sentinel-OS counter-UAS software integrates machine learning, advanced sensors and computer vision to detect, classify and neutralize hostile drones, including loitering munitions.
As military drone usage surges amid global conflicts such as the Ukraine war, Alpine Eagle’s technology aims to provide early warning and active defense against airborne threats. Recent drone incidents over German and UK military bases have also demonstrated the need for advanced countermeasures to protect critical infrastructure and supply chains.
Alpine Eagle’s Sentinel-OS is an agnostic software stack that integrates with both commercial and bespoke hardware, allowing rapid deployment and customization for varied operational needs. The system offers early warning capabilities and is designed to function effectively in contested environments.
Through the use of both active and passive sensors, the platform supports defensive swarm capabilities and can scale to counter different threat levels. The company is also advancing technology to intercept drones at stand-off distances, enhancing protection in both military and civilian settings.
CEO Jan-Hendrik Boelens emphasized the rapid evolution of drone warfare, stating:
“It took around 50 years to get from the biplanes used in WWI to modern fighter jets. Yet, with the development of technology and low-cost hardware, it will take less than five years before we see fully automated drone-on-drone engagements.”
As threats continue to evolve, Alpine Eagle aims to provide cost-effective and scalable defensive solutions. Boelens highlighted the importance of European innovation in defense, highlighting the need for technological advancements to ensure the continent’s security and stability.
Support from investors and defense experts
Investors and defense leaders have recognized Alpine Eagle’s potential to shape the future of counter-drone technology. Archie Muirhead, Partner at IQ Capital, praised the startup’s rapid progress:
“What the Alpine Eagle team has managed to deliver in under 18 months is extraordinary. With this additional capital, we look forward to supporting them in enhancing resilience against unmanned threats.”
Major General Rupert Jones also emphasized the urgency of Alpine Eagle’s mission:
“The character of war is changing at an extraordinary pace, particularly due to the proliferation of unmanned systems. European defense startups like Alpine Eagle are at the forefront of innovation. Governments must collaborate with them to build a resilient European defense industry.”
Expansion and future plans
Since its inception, Alpine Eagle has secured contracts with the German military (Bundeswehr) and generated seven-digit revenues within its first year of operation. The latest funding will support hiring efforts and expansion beyond Germany, strengthening the company’s ability to meet growing global demand for counter-drone solutions.
As European nations ramp up defense spending in response to rising security concerns, Alpine Eagle’s technology adds to the ever-increasing array of counter-drone solutions for safeguarding both military and civilian assets from emerging drone threats.
Post Image Credit: Alpine Eagle
