Nordic Air Defence and Volvo Defense partner to integrate anti-drone technology into Volvo’s VIPRO Protection Systems for Military Vehicles
London, Gothenburg, Stockholm – 09 Sept 2025 – Swedish defence tech startup Nordic Air Defence (www.nordicairdefence.com) and Swedish provider of military transport solutions Volvo Defense (www.volvodefense.com) announce today their partnership to spearhead the development of VIPRO, a compact and cost effective counter-unmanned aircraft system (CUAS) pod for integrated vehicle protection, designed to launch drone intercepting projectiles from vehicles. On display at DSEI – Defence and Security Equipment International, one of the world’s largest defence and security exhibitions – the two companies will showcase their plans to integrate advanced technologies such as autonomous systems and anti-drone capabilities into Volvo Defense’s suite of transport solutions. The product is scheduled to launch in 2026.
By integrating the Kreuger 100XR – Nordic Air Defence’s lightweight, software-driven interceptor – onto trucks, the two companies are demonstrating what the next generation of mobile defence could look like: vehicles capable of extraordinary defence against drone attacks. Designed for rapid launch directly from vehicle-mounted systems, the VIPRO combines agility and adaptability, offering a glimpse into how military vehicle fleets could safeguard their operations from above at a price efficient for mass production.
Cheap FPV drones, often costing less than $1,000, have become the single largest threat to armoured vehicles in Ukraine, accounting for roughly two thirds of Russian battlefield losses including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery, and even advanced air-defence systems. Independent open source intelligence tallies confirm over 3,500 Russian tanks have been destroyed, with NATO and RUSI assessments indicating that two-thirds were taken out by drones alone. As well as the catastrophic loss of life, this stark cost imbalance, where a relatively cheap drone can neutralise a vehicle worth millions, underscores the urgent need for effective vehicle protection against drones. Without countermeasures, armoured fleets risk being overwhelmed by swarms of low-cost, expendable systems that now dominate the battlefield.
Despite the proliferation of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and drones on the frontlines, there is still an enormous need for large trucks and troop carriers that remain susceptible to attack from drones.
In February this year, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) placed an order for 775 trucks from Scania and Volvo to support the expansion of the Swedish Armed Forces, highlighting how heavy vehicles are still very much the logistical backbone of modern militaries.
The partnership between Volvo Defense and Nordic Air Defence through the VIPRO system reflects a shared vision of advancing sovereign European defence mobility solutions. VIPRO, once integrated with Volvo’s proven vehicle platforms, will be tailored to meet each nation’s unique operational requirements while ensuring interoperability and agility of development. The collaboration also focuses on strengthening European supply and support networks, ensuring long-term readiness and deployment sustainability.
Nordic Air Defence Co-founder and CEO Karl Rosandersays: “VIPRO combines Volvo’s legacy of engineering excellence with Nordic Air Defence’s cutting-edge defence innovation and agility to deliver a truly European solution to the number one threat in land warfare. Together we are shaping a defence solution that is mobile, adaptable, and built to serve the long-term needs of European and allied forces.”
President of Volvo Defense, Andreas Svenungssonsays: “Volvo Defense sees great potential in partnering with defence technology start-ups. Innovations in vehicle protection are not only shaping the future of defence, but also ensuring the resilience of transportation and logistics systems that societies depend upon. Through collaborations like this, we can accelerate solutions that safeguard both military and civilian mobility in an increasingly complex threat environment.”
About the K100XR
The Kreuger 100XR is a high-speed kinetic interceptor with an optional warhead, designed for maximum flexibility and performance. Featuring a fixed-wing design, it offers an intercept range of 3+ km with high manoeuvrability, with future versions planned to extend its range and introduce foldable wings. Its embedded AI enables “fire-and-forget” operation with autonomous detection, classification, and tracking, while continuous ground control is available in radio frequency-stable environments. Equipped with an integrated thermal infrared seeker, the system can operate in radio-silent autonomous mode when needed. The K100XR’s stackable form factor allows seamless integration onto various platforms and vessels, and its versatile launch mechanism supports deployment from the ground, handheld units, vehicles, boats, and even airborne systems. These features make the concept perfect for integration with VIPRO.
Images courtesy Nordic Air Defence
