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VIDEO ⟩ Latvians Have Developed an Effective Drone Killer

Photo: Origin Robotics

Latvia has introduced a new drone killer called Blaze, which fits into a suitcase and takes off within seconds. Developed by the Latvian defense startup Origin Robotics, the affordable autonomous drone can detect, track, and destroy enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) mid-flight.

The kamikaze drone Blaze utilizes machine vision and radar tracking for high-precision target engagement and can be combat-ready in less than a minute from a compact, suitcase-sized launch device—a similar feature is seen in Israel's Spear UAV systems, particularly the Ninox family.

Blaze is equipped with a wave-off function, allowing it to safely return or self-destruct if necessary to minimize the risk of friendly fire and collateral damage. According to the company, operators retain control over the drone until the last possible moment, despite its autonomous capabilities.

Radar-guided navigation ensures precise initial approach to the target, while a combination of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, paired with AI-based recognition capabilities, enables real-time identification and target locking.
Radar-guided navigation ensures precise initial approach to the target, while a combination of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, paired with AI-based recognition capabilities, enables real-time identification and target locking. Photo: Origin Robotics

Origin Robotics describes Blaze as a game-changer for NATO forces, asserting that the cost-effective drone fills the gap between traditional anti-aircraft guns and expensive missile systems.

“The demand for a system like Blaze arises directly from real operational requirements emerging right now,” Agris Kipurs, CEO and co-founder of Origin Robotics, told TNW. He added that the company plans to offer the Blaze drone system to NATO armies across Europe.

Compared to manually operated FPV interceptors, which require highly skilled operators and are challenging to train in large numbers, Blaze operates autonomously and can be deployed in significant quantities with minimal logistical burden.

The autonomous kamikaze drone designed for NATO armies provides a rapid and cost-effective frontline solution for neutralizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system fits into a carrying case, can be deployed in under a minute, and operates fully autonomously.
The autonomous kamikaze drone designed for NATO armies provides a rapid and cost-effective frontline solution for neutralizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system fits into a carrying case, can be deployed in under a minute, and operates fully autonomously. Photo: Origin Robotics

Unlike traditional air defense systems, Blaze is at least ten times cheaper than the enemy drones it effectively neutralizes, thanks to its built-in warhead. Affordability is particularly crucial as countries seek to expand air-defense coverage in response to a growing drone threat.

The company sees Ukraine as a potential client, given its active use of small, explosive-equipped UAVs in the fight against Russia. The startup’s flagship drone, BEAK, is already actively deployed in combat in the war-torn country.

Origin Robotics envisions Blaze as a viable alternative to expensive missile-based defense systems for NATO forces across Europe.

According to Origin Robotics' CEO, the drone is specifically designed to counter enemy drone swarms, as observed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Earlier this year, Ukraine faced attacks from over 2,500 Russian drones, prompting the search for sustainable air-defense solutions.

"We designed Blaze specifically to address this threat, as it provides a rapid and intelligent complement to existing air-defense systems," Kipurs said.

Source: armyrecognition.com

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