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Frankenburg Technologies, an Estonian defense firm, is preparing to test its latest innovation in air defense – the Mark 1 anti-aircraft missile. Slated for trials in Ukraine later this month, the missile is designed to counter low-flying drones, which have become a significant threat in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The Mark 1 missile is an AI-powered system capable of targeting aerial threats at altitudes of up to 2 kilometers. This feature makes it particularly effective against UAVs, such as the Iranian Shahed-136 commonly used by Russia, which, according to Ukrainian defense experts cited by Defense News, has recently begun operating at similar heights. If the tests are successful, the missile could be approved for deployment to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, particularly against the growing frequency of Russian UAV attacks.
Frankenburg Technologies has positioned the Mark 1 as an affordable solution to counter the drone threat. By integrating precision targeting software, the company claims that the missile is both cost-effective and highly accurate. Ukraine’s defense analysts have noted the increasing sophistication of drones, such as the Iranian-made Shahed series, which have adapted their flight paths to evade ground-based defenses by flying at lower altitudes.
With Russia deploying an increasing number of drones, need for effective countermeasures has become more urgent. According to reports, the missile will undergo real-world combat testing in Ukraine to verify its effectiveness in this environment.
Frankenburg’s CEO, Kusti Salm, emphasized that the company’s goal is to provide Ukraine with an affordable, capable missile system to help secure victory in the war. Furthermore, the company is ramping up production, with plans to manufacture dozens of units per week initially, scaling up to hundreds by late 2025. With the Mark 1, Ukraine could gain a valuable tool to combat the surge in drone assaults and bolster its air defense capabilities.
