Counter-drone defence at low cost: start-up Riseport

Riseport Europe is a German start-up that develops low-cost counter-drone solutions. In an interview, managing director Emanuel Aprill explains the Argos system and current developments.

Riseport is a start-up in the defence sector. What specifically is it working on at the moment?
At its core, we are dealing with a military capability gap in counter-drone defence, specifically in the segment of small unmanned systems up to about 450 kilograms. This is not only about drones, but generally about anything that moves in the airspace and has to be defended against by troops.

This gave rise to our Argos product family. In its basic version, the system consists of passive 360-degree detection with camera, acoustic and radio frequency (RF) sensors, deliberately without radar. This is complemented by a kinetic fire unit based on an automatic shotgun.

A key point is that the system works without active emissions and therefore cannot be detected even from behind enemy lines. At the same time, it is light and compact enough to be integrated on a wide variety of platforms, regardless of vehicle type. Stationary use is also feasible.

Are further components or upgrade stages planned?
Yes, definitely. The basic system will be supplemented by additional components. These include a launcher with guided missiles, which is part of the Argos product family. This allows us to engage not only at close range (shot ammunition) and at a distance of about 200 metres (airburst ammunition), but also, with the missiles, at about two kilometres. In addition, the system can be extended with various sensors, night-vision solutions and a multi-weapon package into which different weapons can be integrated.

“the mission is not adapted to high-tech systems – the situation, the mission and the needs of the troops require the appropriate means.”
Emanuel Aprill, managing director of Riseport Europe

How is friendly fire ruled out?
Firing at our own drones or other objects such as birds is prevented by the fact that we have image, sound and RF signatures and can exclude them via AI in blue force tracking. For this, we have various extension products in the product family that we are developing further together with the military, in particular with the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). The supply of further signatures is also provided via partners, although we are of course dependent on support.

How did the development of this system come about and what was the motivation behind it?
There were several reasons. The first was the clear realisation from the troops that there is a considerable capability gap in this area, particularly with autonomous or semi-autonomous systems. Our system can act completely autonomously, because we want the vehicle crew to focus on the mission, not on counter-drone defence. Currently, a human-machine interface (HMI) has to be installed for legal reasons, so that clearance to fire is given by a human.

Another point is that existing systems are often very expensive and economically out of all proportion to the threat posed by cheap drones. At the same time, they could hardly be operated with the necessary breadth in terms of personnel.

In addition, the available systems are not being delivered quickly enough. That is why we decided to take development into our own hands – from the perspective of soldiers, for soldiers and together with soldiers.

What is the current status of the project?
Within six months, we developed an idea into an upgradeable prototype and actually built it. The focus is clearly on speed: we do not need a gold-plated solution, we need a practical capability in the field. We are currently working on the technical further development of the prototypes. In parallel, talks are under way with investors to secure the next development steps and scaling.

Prototype and sketch: Riseport's Argos counter-drone system.

So far, the project has been financed largely from own funds and by individual small investors. For the next phase, a strategic partner is being sought specifically to support further development without intervening operationally – the established defence industry is excluded from this. To this end, the founding of a share-based company for Europe is currently pending, probably located in Saxony. We are currently in talks with anchor investors in the DACH region.

What does further development and planning look like?
The next step is live-fire testing planned for the summer, largely together with the Bundeswehr. In addition, there will be an official demonstration for the Bundeswehr.

Trials in a military operational environment are scheduled from 2027, followed by the start of series production in the same year. You heard that right: from the outset we are talking about series production with a planned production capacity of up to 500 systems per month. Three excellent partners in Germany, who have actively supported us from the start, make this possible: the Strama Group, the HDAO Group and ACS.

In parallel, we are continuously developing the system further, particularly in the area of add-ons and software. The aim – as mentioned – is to continuously integrate new drone signatures and keep the systems up to date via updates.

What challenges do you see in this field in future?
A central challenge is the dynamism of drone technology. Development is very fast, which means that defence systems also have to be adapted continuously. Fundamentally, it remains a constant interplay between attack and defence. That is why it is crucial to keep systems flexible and update them regularly. Another aspect is the development of holistic systems that also bring jamming and net-launcher drones into play.