Field Tests Demonstrate Autonomous Air-to-Air C-UAS System in Critical Operational Environment
European defence technology company Alpine Eagle has successfully completed trials of its counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) with the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). The tests, conducted over the summer, showcased the company’s air-to-air counter-drone capabilities in one of the most challenging operational environments in the world.
Following the successful demonstration, Alpine Eagle has been invited back for further collaboration with Ukraine, with plans for a deeper long-term partnership.
Testing in a Crucial Environment
The Ukrainian battlefield is considered one of the most important testing grounds for modern autonomous defence systems. The pace of conflict and the scale of drone use by Russia—deploying hundreds of drones daily—provides unmatched opportunities for rapid feedback. Instead of taking months or years, developers can now assess operational performance in days or weeks.
Alpine Eagle’s technology underwent rigorous trials in-country alongside Ukrainian forces. The system demonstrated its ability to detect, classify, and neutralize hostile drones, including both small UAVs and loitering munitions.
A New Approach to Counter-Drone Operations
The company has developed what it calls the world’s first air-to-air counter-drone system. At the core is Sentinel, an air-to-air sensor and interceptor network. By combining advanced sensors, computer vision, and machine learning, Sentinel creates a defensive swarm of airborne interceptors that can be managed by a single operator.
This level of automation and data fusion allows the system to integrate seamlessly into existing force structures while remaining scalable and mobile.
Jan-Hendrik Boelens, co-founder and CEO at Alpine Eagle, emphasized the importance of the trials. “Ukraine has a clear and pressing need for effective, scalable, and mobile C-UAS capabilities that can effectively integrate into their force structure. The war in Ukraine has driven so much of the development of drone technology, and any European UAS or C-UAS company needs to be able to demonstrate its product in Ukraine, because ultimately, Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. Ukrainians deserve to live in a country that’s peaceful and secure, so being able to help them reach that goal is the single most important thing we could be doing right now.”
Looking Ahead
While operational details remain confidential, Alpine Eagle confirmed that additional testing phases are planned. These will allow the company to refine the system further and contribute to European security efforts.
The trial follows a series of major milestones for Alpine Eagle this year. The company secured €10.25 million in seed funding, collaborated with the British and U.S. armed forces under Project Vanaheim, and opened its first international office in the UK.
Founded in 2023, Alpine Eagle brings together aeronautical engineers and machine learning experts to create airborne counter-drone systems. Its Sentinel-OS software platform can be adapted to different hardware, offering protection for military and national infrastructure.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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