Advanced Protection Systems and Frankenburg announce C-UAS collab

Advanced Protection Systems (APS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Frankenburg Technologies, to integrate Frankenburg’s missiles into APS’s radar and counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) products, according to a September 4 press release. 

APS specialises in anti-drone systems such as the SKYctrl and FIELDctrl 3D MIMO radars and its products are deployed in several countries, including Lithuania, where they protect critical energy infrastructure, and Ukraine. The FIELDctrl radars have also been sold to armed forces in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

The collaboration will focus on several areas, including integrating Frankenburg’s missile systems with APS’s radar and counter-drone platforms. Both companies will also conduct joint system tests and participate in public demonstrations and industry events. The partnership is intended to result in the joint offering of integrated C-UAS solutions across NATO and allied markets.

Frankenburg Technologies is a manufacturer of C-UAS effectors, and the company’s focus is on producing interceptor missiles designed to neutralise drones at a low cost. Frankenburg’s primary product is called the Mark 1, which is a short-range, solid-fuelled missile that employs off-the-shelf components.

“The problem is simple: there are too many drones and too few missiles. Current systems are too expensive and slow to build. Our answer is to radically simplify the missile using widely available, off-the-shelf components,” the company’s CEO, Kutsi Salm, who was formerly the Permanent Secretary of the Estonian MoD, has said in past media briefings. 

The missile uses AI for guidance, and one outlet states that it is designed to be used independently of “strategic air defence systems.” This indicates it may be similar in its concept of employment to the recently announced Skyhammer from Cambridge Aerospace, and potentially the Nimbrix from Saab. In a nutshell, the missiles can be positioned close to critical national infrastructure and launched into the path of oncoming Shahed or Gerans, to find them with the onboard seeker. Using AI, it may either use object tracking algorithms, or pixel lock, which is a capability within computer vision, that identifies and maintains a lock on a target by focusing on a specific set of pixels in a video or infrared image. 

This approach, using a commercially available camera and computer like an NVIDIA Jetson could provide a seeker that is sufficient for targeting a Shahed-type threat at a cost of a few thousand dollars, in terms of the materials involved. A high-end missile would cost many tens of thousands, however. 

Tech explainer: MIMO radar

MIMO means Multiple-Input Multiple-Output. It is an advanced radar technology that uses multiple transmitting and receiving antennas. Unlike a traditional phased array radar that transmits a single, steered signal, a MIMO radar transmits unique, mutually orthogonal signals from each transmit antenna. This allows each receiving antenna to differentiate between the signals from each transmitter. This can give the following benefits to the system: 

• Improved Spatial Resolution: The larger virtual aperture allows for a much finer resolution, enabling the system to more accurately pinpoint the location of targets, which is key for small drones with a low radar cross section. 
• Enhanced Target Classification: The unique signals and advanced processing allow for better discrimination between different types of targets, such as distinguishing a bird from a drone.

Tech profile: FIELDctrl radar

FIELDctrl radars, manufactured by Advanced Protection Systems (APS), are a family of ultra-precise 3D MIMO radars primarily designed for the detection, tracking, and classification of small flying objects, such as drones and birds. They are a core component of counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions. These radars are used in various military and civilian applications, including the protection of critical infrastructure, military assets, public events, and airports. The systems are designed to operate in challenging conditions, day or night, and are understood to distinguish between drones and birds using advanced algorithms built using artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The FIELDctrl family includes several models (e.g., Ultra, Range, Advance), with specifications varying across the product line. The following are general specifications based on available information for different models.

• Size: Dimensions vary by model, for example, one model is 645 x 360 x 180 mm and another is 840 x 680 x 320 mm. The weight for one model is 31.4 kg (panel only), and another is 81 kg.
• Range:
  • Effective Detection Range: Ranges from 3 km up to 8 km for small drones with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 0.01 m2.
  • Maximum Instrumented Range: Up to 50 km, indicating the maximum distance the radar is capable of measuring.

• Operating Band: The radars operate in the X-Band, specifically from 9.7 to 10 GHz. The X-Band is a high-frequency band, which is often used for target tracking and fire control because it provides high resolution target data.
• Power: The output power is typically 80 W or 200 W, with supply voltages of 24 VDC and 230 VAC variants available.

Calibre comment

It is worthwhile following MoUs like this between Frankenburg and APS as they can provide indications of market trends and interest. For example, this MoU may indicate that a blend of a capable radar with a cheap interceptor is a desirable approach for C-UAS solutions. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 7, 2025. Credit for the lead image is APS, and it shows Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies on the right, and Dr. Maciej Klemm, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Advanced Protection Systems on the left.