Latvian Startup Unveils Game-Changing Autonomous Drone Killer
▼ Summary
– Origin Robotics launched BLAZE, an autonomous interceptor drone designed to destroy enemy drones by ramming or exploding into them.
– BLAZE is portable, deployable in under a minute, and uses computer vision and radar to precisely identify and track targets.
– The drone is cost-effective, priced at least 10 times lower than the threats it intercepts, and includes operator oversight and safety features.
– BLAZE targets asymmetric warfare needs, particularly in Ukraine, where low-cost drone defense is critical against mass-produced Russian UAVs.
– Origin Robotics, founded in 2022, has raised over $9 million and secured contracts, including from the Latvian Ministry of Defence and the European Defence Fund.
A Latvian defense tech startup has developed an autonomous drone interceptor capable of neutralizing hostile unmanned aircraft with precision. Named BLAZE, this innovative system represents a breakthrough in cost-effective air defense, designed to counter the growing threat posed by enemy drones on modern battlefields.
Compact enough to fit inside a briefcase, BLAZE can be deployed in under a minute. The case itself serves as both a launchpad and charging station, ensuring rapid response times. The drone leverages advanced computer vision to distinguish between different aircraft types while filtering out false targets like birds. Paired with radar tracking, it achieves exceptional accuracy in identifying and pursuing threats.
Once locked onto an enemy UAV, BLAZE launches autonomously, intercepting its target at high speed. Equipped with an integrated warhead, it can either collide with the hostile drone or detonate upon proximity. While this results in the loss of the interceptor, each unit costs significantly less than the drones it destroys—making it a financially viable solution.
Despite its autonomous capabilities, human operators maintain final decision-making authority. A built-in “wave-off” function allows BLAZE to abort missions if necessary, either returning to base or self-destructing to prevent collateral damage. This feature minimizes the risk of friendly fire incidents while maintaining operational flexibility.
As drones increasingly dominate modern warfare, BLAZE fills a critical gap between traditional gun-based defenses and expensive missile interceptors. Agris Kipurs, CEO and co-founder of Origin Robotics, emphasized the urgency of such technology: “The demand for systems like BLAZE is immediate—driven by real-world combat scenarios unfolding today.” The company aims to supply NATO forces across Europe, with Ukraine being a key potential client.
Ukraine’s military has faced relentless drone attacks from Russia, with over 2,500 UAVs launched in January 2025 alone. To counter these threats, Ukrainian forces have experimented with FPV (first-person view) drones modified with explosives. However, Kipurs notes that this approach, while resourceful, lacks scalability due to the need for highly trained pilots.
Founded in 2022, Origin Robotics has secured $9 million in funding, along with contracts from the Latvian Ministry of Defence and grants from the European Defence Fund. Their flagship drone, BEAK, is already active in Ukraine, reinforcing the company’s commitment to practical battlefield solutions.
With drone warfare evolving rapidly, innovations like BLAZE could redefine air defense strategies, offering militaries a fast, intelligent, and affordable way to neutralize aerial threats. As conflicts increasingly rely on unmanned systems, the need for effective countermeasures has never been greater.
(Source: The Next Web)
