By Dylan Malyasov
Copyright defence-blog
Swedish defense startup Nordic Air Defence and military vehicle manufacturer Volvo Defense have announced a joint effort to develop a new mobile counter-unmanned aircraft system (CUAS), aimed at protecting military vehicles against the growing threat of cheap, weaponized drones. According to the two companies, the system—called VIPRO—will integrate Nordic’s Kreuger 100XR drone interceptor into Volvo’s tactical truck platforms. Designed for rapid response and high mobility, VIPRO is being marketed as a cost-efficient and scalable solution for protecting troops and logistics assets on the modern battlefield. The partnership was unveiled this week at the DSEI defense exhibition in London, one of the industry’s largest global showcases. The companies said the system will launch in 2026. “VIPRO combines Volvo’s legacy of engineering excellence with Nordic Air Defence’s cutting-edge defense innovation and agility to deliver a truly European solution to the number one threat in land warfare,” said Karl Rosander, Co-founder and CEO of Nordic Air Defence. “Together we are shaping a defense solution that is mobile, adaptable, and built to serve the long-term needs of European and allied forces.” The interceptor system, mounted on Volvo Defense trucks, is designed to engage first-person view (FPV) drones, which have become a persistent threat in recent conflicts. The companies noted that mass-produced FPV drones—some costing as little as $1,000—have been responsible for the destruction of thousands of vehicles in Ukraine, including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and artillery systems. The VIPRO system is equipped to launch interceptors directly from the vehicle platform. Its pod-based design is described as modular and compatible with different vehicle sizes and mission needs. The interceptor, the Kreuger 100XR, is a software-driven, lightweight munition engineered to quickly engage aerial threats with precision. Andreas Svenungsson, President of Volvo Defense, said in a statement: “Volvo Defense sees great potential in partnering with defense technology start-ups. Innovations in vehicle protection are not only shaping the future of defense, but also ensuring the resilience of transportation and logistics systems that societies depend upon.” He added that collaboration with agile startups like Nordic Air Defence allows for faster development of new protective systems and contributes to both military and civilian resilience in an increasingly complex threat environment. Volvo’s partnership with Nordic comes amid a renewed focus on the vulnerability of logistics vehicles in drone-saturated battlefields. Despite increased use of unmanned systems, large trucks and troop carriers remain vital to modern operations—and also remain exposed. In February 2025, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration placed an order for 775 trucks from Scania and Volvo to support the expansion of the Swedish Armed Forces. This underscores the ongoing relevance of heavy vehicles in NATO-aligned defense planning.
