Israeli defense company Autonomous Guard has signed a NIS 12 million contract with a European customer to supply drone detection and neutralization systems via its Skylock subsidiary.
Skylock is a pioneer of drone vs drone interception, building relatively inexpensive interceptor drones to fight against a drone attack. Founded in 2018, it develops leading counter-drone technologies for identifying and destroying unauthorized drones.
It has contracted to supply multi-layered sensor systems that combine radar, acoustic, radio frequency, and electronic sensors to detect and neutralize drones using artificial satellites.
The deal, signed amid calls in many European countries to boycott Israeli businesses, showcases Israel’s leading role in global defense innovation, along with the international community’s growing reliance on Israeli defense technology to safeguard their critical infrastructure and security assets.
The CEO of Autonomous Guard, Baruch Dilion, said that the European order, coming after others worth NIS 10.5 million from Asia and South America, signed earlier this year, was a “further expression of confidence in Skylock's technology and its ability to provide a high-quality and reliable solution.”
Delivery in Europe is scheduled for 2026. Skylock was paid 50% of the price in advance; the remainder is due upon delivery.
Hostile skies
High-profile disruptions to public safety and airspace, such as the closure of London’s Gatwick Airport in 2018 as a result of nearby drone sightings, have driven global demand for systems such as Skylock’s.
Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technology is increasingly in demand in the face of the growing threat of malicious drone use for surveillance, espionage, smuggling, and terror attacks.
As drones rapidly become more advanced, with longer ranges, higher speeds, and swarming potential, their neutralization requires ever more sophisticated countermeasures.
This factor is driving a compound annual growth rate of 25.1% in the counter-UAS market, which is predicted to be worth $20.31 billion by 2030.
Skylock is a forerunner in addressing illegal drone activity, and its technology is used in airports, military bases, critical infrastructure, and major events to protect against drone threats.
The company’s system integrates a multi-layered defense philosophy, blending radio frequency, optical, acoustic, and radar to identify aerial threats under varying conditions. Its technology also provides electronic warfare and jamming capabilities to stop drones.
While competing technologies generally utilize the same techniques to detect and neutralize drones, some companies opt to physically destroy them using more rudimentary technology, such as net cannons fired from the ground – or other drones.
Another option is to take control of the drones by hacking and reprogramming. This tactic also ensures the capture of incident data, vital for a forensic investigation into the event.
“[Skylock] has very large business potential, and we are working intensively to promote additional orders and expand its activities both abroad and in Israel,” Dilion said.