From space research to autonomous defence systems: Estel Industries develops low-cost drone interceptors - Groundstation
AI Analysis
Dutch startup Estel Industries is developing a low-cost, fully autonomous counter-drone system focused on intercepting mass-produced drones. The concept evolved from portable interceptors to a bunker-based, automated system based on feedback from Ukrainian contacts. The company secured third place at the EUDIS Defence Hackathon (Spring 2026) and is leveraging expertise from space technology and automated systems.
Key Takeaways
- Estel Industries is focused on scalable and cost-efficient counter-drone solutions.
- The system is designed for autonomous operation, minimizing the burden on operators.
- Development was directly influenced by the observed drone warfare tactics in Ukraine.
- The company is participating in and benefiting from the European Defence Fund's EUDIS program.
- The founder, Daniel Kogan, brings a unique background in space research, life sciences, and automation.
Why It Matters
The development of low-cost, autonomous counter-drone systems is critical to addressing the increasing threat of drone swarms and attrition-based drone warfare. This approach acknowledges the economic realities of countering inexpensive drones, moving away from expensive, traditional air defense systems. Estel Industries’ focus on automation and scalability aligns with emerging defense needs.
From space research to autonomous defence systems: Estel Industries develops low-cost drone interceptors - Groundstation
Estel Industries, a newly established Dutch startup developing autonomous interceptor-based counter-drone systems, secured third place at the EUDIS Defence Hackathon (Spring 2026) held at Unmanned Valley in Katwijk, the Netherlands. The team is working on low-cost interceptor systems designed to address the growing challenge posed by mass-produced drones in modern defence and security environments.
The company was founded by Daniel Kogan, whose background combines life sciences, space technology, and automated systems. Before moving into defence technology, Kogan worked on organ-on-a-chip systems and later on automated laboratories for microgravity research aboard the International Space Station through the company SpacePharma.
The shift towards defence technology came as a response to developments in Ukraine and the rapid evolution of low-cost autonomous systems.
“The war in Ukraine had a strong impact on me,” Kogan explains. “The scale of destruction and the rapid evolution of low-cost autonomous systems made me start thinking about scalable defensive technologies.”
The EUDIS Defence Hackathon, supported by the European Commission through the European Defence Fund, brings together teams across Europe to work on defence and security challenges. Participants collaborate intensively over a 48-hour period, followed by a mentorship phase designed to help teams refine and further develop their solutions. The programme connects teams at different stages with defence experts, investors and industry stakeholders.
From life sciences and space research to autonomous defence systems
Kogan’s original idea focused on portable interceptor systems that could be carried by soldiers. However, discussions with Ukrainian contacts shifted the concept towards greater autonomy.
“Initially, the idea was something soldiers could carry, but feedback from Ukrainians quickly shifted that thinking,” he says. “They don’t want to carry anything. They want to be in a bunker controlling automated systems, because defence technologies are becoming increasingly autonomous.”
The result is a fully autonomous counter-drone system intended to intercept low-cost aerial targets using small interceptor systems. The team’s approach focuses on scalability and cost efficiency, reflecting the economics of current drone technologies.
“Current defensive solutions were not made for these low-flying, low-cost challenges, and are financially unsustainable in attrition-based scenarios,” Kogan explains. “To address this challenge, you need even lower-cost, mass-scale autonomous systems.”
The origins of Estel Industries can be traced back to an earlier EUDIS hackathon in Spain, where Kogan and his team developed the first version of the concept and secured second place. Since then, the project has evolved from a part-time initiative into a full-time startup effort