Latvian Defence tech start-up Origin Robotics has released BLAZE, an autonomous counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) interceptor designed to reduce the effects of fast-moving aerial dangers with accuracy and speed.
As drones end up being a significantly dominant force on the modern battleground, BLAZE uses a cost-effective service to counter them, filling the gap in between conventional gun-based air defence and high-cost missile interceptors.The interceptor is intended to reinforce the defence capabilities of European nations in the middle of rising threats and geopolitical uncertainty.Drones have reshaped modern-day warfare, dictating battlefield methods and moving the balance of power.
Their extensive use, especially in Ukraine, has shown both their efficiency and the high expense of countering them.
In January 2025 alone, Russia released over 2,500 drones into Ukrainian territory approximately 80 drones each day.
This escalation highlights the urgent need for advanced yet affordable air defence solutions.Agris Kipurs, CEO and co-founder of Origin Robotics, stated, In asymmetric warfare, drones are relatively economical and commonly released to overwhelm air defences and strike targets both at the frontline and deep behind it, making it challenging and expensive to counter.
We designed BLAZE particularly to resolve this threata quick, intelligent, and economical addition to existing air defence systems.
We remain dedicated to providing cost-efficient and adaptable solutions to support Europe and NATO allies in dealing with existing and future security challenges.BLAZE is a man-portable, quickly deployable interceptor created to beat fast-moving aerial dangers, consisting of loitering munitions and hostile UAVs.
The system combines radar-based detection with AI-powered computer vision, providing autonomous target acquisition and operator-approved interception.
Equipped with a high-explosive (HE) fragmentation warhead, it guarantees accurate and efficient threat elimination, even in contested environments.The system autonomously spots, acquires, and locks onto targets utilizing a mix of radar tracking and AI-powered computer system vision.
Upon operator verification, the system performs an exactly computed attackeither damaging the target on direct impact or engaging it with an airburst fragmentation detonation.
BLAZE delivers high movement, scalability, and cost-efficiency for contemporary armed forces.As an operator-supervised autonomous system, it makes sure the operator keeps final-stage control, consisting of the capability to release a wave-off command that directs the BLAZE to either return securely or self-destruct.
This capability allows immediate implementation even in situations with unpredictable target identification, substantially decreasing the threats of friendly fire and lessening collateral damage.The interceptor is created for fast implementation and high-intensity operations.
The very first drone can be launched in under five minutes, with subsequent launches taking less than a minute.
Compact and portable, BLAZEs carry case doubles as a launch station and charging dock.
Its tool-less setup ensures it is flight-ready in under 10 minutes.Following the battlefield-proven success of its flagship drone system, BEAK, presently deployed by the Ukrainian and Latvian Armed Forces, Origin Robotics continues to develop scalable, next-generation innovations for modern-day warfare.
Thanks to BEAKs rapid deployment and proven abilities, Origin has quickly earned acknowledgment for its technology and built trust in its autonomous aerial systemsreflected in an R&D contract from the Latvian Ministry of Defence and a grant from the European Defence Fund.Source: Origin Robotics