US startup Impact Drones has launched an autonomous counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) solution designed to protect critical civilian infrastructure through what it describes as an “air defence as a service” model.
Launched through startup accelerator Y Combinator, the San Francisco-based company has developed a containerised system housing autonomous interceptor drones that remain charged and ready to respond to aerial threats. According to the company, once a hostile drone is detected, the system autonomously launches an interceptor to physically neutralise the target, rather than relying on radio-frequency jamming or other non-kinetic measures.
Impact Drones says the system is intended to protect critical infrastructure including airports, ports, data centres and energy facilities. The company argues that existing air defence solutions are often too costly for routine civilian infrastructure protection, particularly when low-cost drones can require expensive interceptor missiles to defeat them.
The company says its approach is designed to provide a scalable and economically viable alternative for infrastructure operators seeking persistent protection against drone threats. It is currently seeking partnerships with airport operators, data centre security teams and organisations responsible for protecting critical infrastructure.
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Image: Impact Drones’ autonomous interceptor drone. (Credit: Impact Drones)
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