US venture capital firm Backswing Ventures has announced an investment in Ukrainian defence company Vigilant Works, which develops autonomous counter-drone systems and interceptor drones. The parties have not disclosed the size of the investment or the terms of the deal. This is stated in a Backswing Ventures press release.
“The investment will support Vigilant Works’ further development of autonomous guidance technologies, next-generation radar systems, and the expansion of the company’s operations. This comes as the company prepares to ramp up production and broaden its presence in the markets of NATO allied countries,” Backswing Ventures said.
Vigilant Works is building a comprehensive counter-unmanned aerial system. It combines three core components: interceptor drones, autonomous control software, and radar tools for detecting aerial targets.
The company’s first interceptor, Algiz-1, has already been tested in combat conditions. Developers are currently working on the next model, Algiz-2. According to the company, this interceptor can reach speeds of more than 600 km/h. Its combat trials began recently.
A separate focus for Vigilant Works is developing its own autonomous control software and radar solutions. The company aims to integrate target detection, tracking and interception into a single system that will operate autonomously. According to chief executive and co-founder Daniel Korogodskyi, developing all components within one system makes it possible to improve the technologies as an integrated whole, rather than separately from one another.
Vigilant Works is a participant in Ukraine’s defence technology platform Brave1. The company was previously also selected to take part in the EU4UA programme, implemented by Brave1 and Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. The company says it has already signed its first commercial agreements outside Ukraine.
Backswing Ventures is a US venture capital firm that invests in early-stage defence and security technologies.