MUNICH — Munich-based VANEA Defence has unveiled ATOMZA, a non-kinetic counter-drone system designed for civilian operators. The system was presented at the Drone Days event in Bremen, Germany, on August 27 and 28, 2026. VANEA said ATOMZA is already in production and available for commercial orders.
ATOMZA uses a directed photonic radiation effector that projects high-intensity light onto a targeted drone. The light saturates the drone’s optical sensors and impairs its guidance systems without physically destroying the aircraft.
According to VANEA, this approach reduces the risk associated with falling drone debris and allows ATOMZA to be used in locations where kinetic interceptors or radio-frequency jammers may be restricted or unsuitable, including near airports, in ports, cities and areas with people.
VANEA says ATOMZA is designed to be operated by civilian organisations without sovereign enforcement powers. The company is targeting applications at airports, critical infrastructure sites, major events and other sensitive locations. Traditional active counter-UAS systems, including jammers, high-energy lasers and interceptor drones, are generally limited to authorised security authorities.
The system weighs 195 kg and has an operational lifetime of 20,000 hours. VANEA says engagement costs are primarily associated with electricity consumption, while the system requires no expendable ammunition, allowing it to be reused.
The technology uses a proprietary artificial intelligence model developed and trained entirely in Europe. VANEA says the AI supports drone detection and can distinguish genuine threats from decoys, including in swarm situations. The company is also developing a broader family of counter-drone technologies involving networked countermeasures and advanced sensors.
Founded in 2025, VANEA Defence said ATOMZA is already undergoing operational testing and validation with German security authorities and critical infrastructure operators. Military trials are planned for the coming weeks, while the company is also discussing wider deployment with European authorities and international security partners.
Jens Hillenkötter, Executive Vice President for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-UAVs at VANEA Defence, said Europe's threat environment is changing rapidly and that critical infrastructure operators need solutions that can be deployed quickly. Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Oliver Hartkorn stressed the importance of maintaining a European technology base for systems used by police, armed forces and civilian operators.
VANEA Defence operates from Munich and develops counter-UAS and autonomous defence technologies. The company operates as a brand of publicly listed SCP Standard Capital Partners AG.
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