Portuguese anti-drone technology protects Ukraine’s skies

After several trials with the Portuguese Army and Navy, Portuguese company Swatter is now deploying its anti-drone technology to protect the skies and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. The start-up is preparing a €1.2 million funding round and already has its sights set on the US and Brazil for its international expansion.

Integrated into the Defence Technology and Industrial Base (BTID), licensed by the Ministry of National Defence for the industry and trade of military goods and technologies, Swatter’s systems are already integrated into the Portuguese Army and Navy, which use its drone neutralisation solutions in different operational contexts.

The Swatter Portable Gun (SPG) — a portable device designed to neutralise drones through “targeted radio frequency emissions, blocking communications between the drone and its operator, as well as satellite positioning signals, such as GNSS systems, including GPS used for navigation” — is its best-known product, having already been tested in several operational exercises, such as ARTEX by the Portuguese Army and REPMUS by the Portuguese Navy. But that’s not all.

“In 2025, we participated in an exercise developed by NATO, DYNAMIC MESSENGER, where we conducted experiments with a fixed GNSS jamming system equipped with omnidirectional antennas, aboard the HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801) of the Dutch Navy”, Renato Branco, who co-founded Swatter in 2021 with João Gaspar and two other co-founders, told ECO/eRadar.

“During the exercise, we had the opportunity to test the GNSS jammer against drones and military ships in realistic and demanding operational environments. These tests provided valuable information about the system’s performance and resilience in challenging conditions”, he says.

“This year, we will participate for the first time in an exercise outside Portugal, organised by NATO. This initiative is the first in a series of campaigns planned for this year, aimed at continuously testing Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) solutions”, he added, without further details.

The trials resulted in the “acquisition of products that are being used to protect critical infrastructure and in combat situations”, including in Ukraine. However, for reasons of confidentiality, Renato Branco preferred not to specify whether the purchase had been made directly by military forces or by resellers.

With sights set on the US and Brazil

The company is betting on the internationalisation of its technology, having already registered its patent on the other side of the Atlantic. “We are working to enter the US market through the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) programme, which is a programme run by the US Department of Defence that allows technologies and equipment developed by allied countries to be tested and evaluated with a view to possible acquisition by the US Armed Forces. We are at an advanced stage and intend to try to move the process forward with our presence at the Sea Air Space trade show in Washington, D.C.”, reveals Renato Branco.

But there’s more. “In the near future, we hope to establish partnerships with Brazilian companies that can represent Swatter’s equipment in Brazil, exploring possible pilot projects with the country’s Armed Forces”, he anticipates.

The equipment is “entirely designed, drawn up and assembled by us”, assures the co-founder. “As we are still a start-up, we rely on partners for the production and external supply of parts”, he says, without, however, detailing the markets of the production partners. “We have the capacity to produce 200 systems by the end of the year”.

Capital round in sight

To fuel these growth plans, the company is preparing a new capital injection. “When Swatter Company was founded in 2021, it received an investment of €100,000 from Portugal Ventures, corresponding to the first edition of INOV ID. This money enabled Swatter to achieve a working prototype in 2022. 2023 was a year of demonstrations and evolution of the prototype together with the Portuguese military and public security forces, in order to evolve into a fully functional product and consolidate the first sales. This whole process was bootstrapped”, explains Renato Branco, adding that they are “currently preparing a new round of capital of €1.2 million”.

“We want to grow the team by hiring 12 people by the end of this year. We have submitted and outlined a €2.5 million project, a two-year project aimed at improving the manufacturing process of the current product, investing in innovation for three new products in the areas of C-UAS, and international expansion with Swatter’s participation in major defence and security fairs, as well as conducting pilots and demonstrations”, he explains when asked about plans for this capital increase.

“We closed 2025 with a turnover of more than half a million euros”, he reveals.

The ambition for growth goes hand in hand with the growing interest in the drone and anti-drone defence industry, as indicated by the European Commission’s proposal for this sector presented in February. On the table is the mobilisation of a €400 million envelope.

“The European strategy for drones is important, and with it inevitably comes counter-drones. Current wars, as seen in Ukraine, show that drones, which are cheap, scalable and technologically adaptable, have become central to the battlefield”, Renato Branco begins. “Today, it is not enough to develop drone capabilities; it is also essential to invest in detection, neutralisation and electronic warfare systems. The future of conflict involves this logic of drones versus counter-drones, and Europe needs to accelerate its industrial and technological base so as not to become dependent on third parties”, he says.

“Portugal does indeed have high-quality engineers, internationally recognised for their solid technical training, adaptability and strong practical skills. The talent is there, it is internationally recognised and already competes at the highest level”, he believes.

“The challenge lies in strengthening the ecosystem, better connecting universities, research centres, start-ups, industry and funding. Above all, it is essential that the Armed Forces value and integrate solutions developed in Portugal, acting as an anchor customer and driver of innovation. Without an internal market and operational validation, it is difficult to scale up”, he points out.

“This path has already begun, and it is only fair to acknowledge it. Today, there is greater coordination between universities, research centres, start-ups and industry, as well as growing attention from the Armed Forces to incorporating national solutions. But much more needs to be done, on a larger scale, with greater predictability and continuity. The defence, drone and counter-drone sector requires sustained investment, multi-year programmes and quick decisions. Without critical mass and long-term commitment, the ecosystem will not gain sufficient scale to compete internationally”, he emphasises.