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A new breakthrough in drone defense technology has emerged from Sweden, with the introduction of the Kreuger 100 interceptor by Nordic Air Defence. Designed for both military and civilian applications, the Kreuger 100 represents a significant shift in how drone threats are neutralized, combining high speeds with software-based control to replace expensive hardware systems.
According to NextGenDefense, Kreuger 100’s key innovation lies in its ability to intercept and neutralize low-cost drones effectively, without the need for costly traditional anti-drone systems like kinetic weapons, jammers or lasers. The interceptor uses pulsed propulsion and precise aerodynamics, allowing it to rapidly maneuver toward its target. This approach prioritizes cost efficiency, replacing heavy hardware with intelligent software and advanced aerodynamics for greater cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
The Kreuger 100 can reach speeds of up to 270 kilometers per hour in civilian applications, with the potential for even higher speeds in military operations. This makes it a highly versatile tool for addressing the growing problem of small, inexpensive drones that are becoming a significant challenge on modern battlefields.
Traditional defense systems struggle against these drones, with reports indicating that inexpensive drones are responsible for the destruction of costly military assets. Jammers, in particular, have limitations, as autonomous drones and those controlled via fiber-optic systems cannot be easily jammed. This makes the Kreuger 100 a promising alternative, especially in the face of evolving aerial threats.
According to NextGenDefense, the system is also seen as a potential solution for defense against UAV types like the Iranian Shahed family, which have been used to target infrastructure in the Middle East and in Ukraine. By intercepting these drones before they can strike, the Kreuger 100 provides an effective and cost-efficient defense.
Looking ahead, Nordic Air Defence envisions creating portable defense solutions, allowing soldiers to carry these interceptors in backpacks for rapid deployment. This scalable, affordable technology is expected to play a vital role in reshaping defense strategies for both military and civilian uses, in a time when the growing threat of drone warfare demands new, innovative solutions.