Main image: Representatives of Frankenburg Technologies presented their products to Prime Minister Kristen Michal. From left to right: the company's CEO Kusti Salm, Prime Minister Michal, majority owner Taavi Madiberk, and board member Veiko-Vello Palm. Photo/Source: Frankenburg Technologies.
The Estonian defense startup Frankenburg Technologies will begin testing its Mark 1 anti-aircraft missiles on the battlefield in Ukraine next year.
This was reported by ERR.
The company, recognized as one of Europe's leading defense technology startups, has developed missiles capable of shooting down Iranian Shahed drones at altitudes of up to two kilometers.
The key innovation lies in the integration of artificial intelligence for autonomous target guidance.
Production is expected to start with several dozen units per week, scaling up to hundreds of missiles weekly by the third quarter of next year.
The tests aim to confirm the system's effectiveness in real combat conditions.
Frankenburg Technologies gained prominence after being mentioned by Bloomberg, which named it one of the four most promising defense startups in Europe.
The company's CEO, Kusti Salm, a former chancellor of Estonia's Ministry of Defense, has enlisted several high-ranking retired officers to the team.
The company is implementing new technologies to support Europe's defense industry amid increased defense budgets and concerns about potential U.S. isolationism.
Frankenburg Technologies and other European defense firms are preparing for a possible escalation of military actions in Europe.
“The demand for new weaponry will remain critical even if the war in Ukraine comes to an end,” Salm stated.