Volvo Defense has teamed up with Swedish startup Nordic Air Defence to co-develop a counter-unmanned aerial system (c-UAS) designed for integration with military vehicles, unveiling details at a major defense technology exhibition in London. The collaboration will center on the creation of the VIPRO solution, slated for release in 2026, which aims to provide armed forces with a mobile and adaptable defense mechanism against the rising threat of hostile drones. The VIPRO system will combine Volvo’s tactical truck platforms with Nordic’s Kreuger 100XR interceptor, resulting in a pod-based launcher capable of engaging and neutralizing enemy drones at ranges exceeding 3 kilometers. Notably, the Kreuger interceptor incorporates artificial intelligence-driven autonomous detection and tracking, improving response times and accuracy during drone engagements. With a modular design, the system is not limited to land vehicles but could also be adapted for vessels and airborne platforms, broadening its operational use cases. Analysts highlight that this project directly responds to the growing use of cheap tactical drones in modern conflicts, as demonstrated in Ukraine, where small first-person view drones costing less than $1,000 have destroyed tanks, artillery, and even air-defense systems. Reports indicate drones account for nearly two-thirds of Russia’s vehicle losses. The development of VIPRO reflects the urgent requirement to shield logistics trucks, troop carriers, and supply vehicles, which have become increasingly vulnerable in contested environments. Volvo’s involvement is significant given its recent contract to supply 775 trucks to the Swedish armed forces, underlining the central role of tactical vehicles. By combining proven vehicle platforms with cutting-edge c-UAS interceptors, Volvo and Nordic Air Defence aim to provide a versatile, modular, and AI-enhanced defense system that aligns with NATO’s emphasis on countering drone warfare.
