Volvo Defense has announced a collaboration with Swedish startup Nordic Air Defence to create a counter-unmanned aerial system (c-UAS) tailored for military vehicles. The partnership, revealed during a defense technology event in London, will center on the VIPRO system, which is expected to be launched in 2026.
The VIPRO concept combines Nordic’s Kreuger 100XR drone interceptor with Volvo’s tactical truck fleet. The integration will provide a pod-based launcher designed to detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones. With an operational range exceeding 3 kilometers, the interceptor employs artificial intelligence to autonomously identify and pursue aerial threats. Its modular framework also allows it to be deployed on ships, aircraft, and other platforms beyond ground vehicles.
Both firms emphasized that the project addresses the rising threat of inexpensive tactical drones in today’s conflicts. In Ukraine, small first-person view drones priced under $1,000 have demonstrated devastating effects, destroying tanks, artillery, and even advanced air-defense systems. NATO reports and open-source intelligence estimate that drones are behind nearly two-thirds of Russian armored losses.
The vulnerability of troop carriers and transport trucks has become especially evident in these conflicts. At the same time, Sweden’s military continues to reinforce its reliance on trucks, highlighted by a February order of 775 new vehicles from Volvo and Scania for its armed forces. The VIPRO program is positioned as a response to this growing need for vehicle-based drone defense.
