This issue leads with a world-first air-to-air counter-drone engagement: Frankenburg Technologies’ Mark I missile was launched from Airbus Defence & Space’s Bird of Prey uncrewed interceptor and successfully destroyed a kamikaze drone—creating a new, low-cost “cost curve” for air defence against mass aerial threats. We also publish a new Top 10 ranking of the Baltics’ most innovative defence startups, led by Frankenburg, Origin Robotics, and Lithuania’s UDS. Plus: fresh data showing Estonia’s defence industry sales up to €730m and exports up to €350m, Hanwha Aerospace joining EDIA, and news that a Swedish-linked manufacturer is set to invest €300m+ to launch 155mm ammunition production in Estonia.
