Munich-based defense startup Alpine Eagle, which claims to be developing the world’s first airborne counter-drone system, has announced its expansion into the United Kingdom as it looks to strengthen its footprint in the European defense market.
The move comes amid surging demand for effective counter-UAS solutions, driven by the proliferation of cheap, expendable drones on the modern battlefield, a trend accelerated by the war in Ukraine.
Alpine Eagle’s flagship system, known as Sentinel, is designed to detect and track hostile drones from airborne platforms. Unlike many counter-UAS solutions which are ground-based, Sentinel enables air-to-air drone detection, offering a mobile and scalable option for protecting both critical infrastructure and deployed forces.
UK Head Michael Golden emphasized the need for a pan-European approach to counter-drone threats.
“The UK and Europe face the same challenge, and the UK’s military strength and influence on the world stage mean that it must be an integral part of the solution,” he said. “Any solution built has to be by Europe, including the UK, for Europe.”
Alpine Eagle’s expansion follows its participation in Project Vanaheim, a UK Ministry of Defence trial conducted with UK and US military forces. The initiative explored new methods for countering uncrewed aerial systems and forms part of a broader effort among NATO allies to adapt to the growing role of drones in warfare.
The startup has already delivered Sentinel systems to the German military, citing a persistent capability gap in airborne counter-drone operations. The company also recently raised £9 million in seed funding from investors including IQ Capital and General Catalyst, underlining investor confidence in Europe’s emerging defense tech ecosystem.
The announcement comes just weeks after the UK and Germany signed a new bilateral defense pact, further cementing cooperation between the two countries at a time of heightened focus on defense readiness and innovation.
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Post Image Credit: Alpine Eagle
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