Nordic Air Defence, a Swedish startup, has introduced the Kreuger 100, a battery-powered drone interceptor designed for both military and civilian applications. The system, which utilizes pulsed propulsion and controlled aerodynamics, is positioned as a cost-effective solution to counter aerial threats across Europe. Supported by a €1.2 million investment led by private investors, the company aims to address threats such as the Russian Orlan-10 and Iranian-designed Shahed drones.
In November 2024, Nordic Air Defence (NAD) secured a €1.2 million investment to expedite research, development, and testing of the Kreuger 100. The funding round, led by Norway-based SNÖ Ventures, marked the firm’s first defense technology investment. Other investors included Jörgen Bladh, co-founder of Northzone; Jan Gurander, former Deputy CEO and CFO of Volvo Group; and Noam Perski, who joined as a strategic advisor. The investment followed NAD’s emergence from stealth mode in September 2024 and is considered part of a larger strategic funding initiative ahead of an upcoming seed round.
Developed in response to escalating aerial threats and the lack of scalable counter-drone solutions in Europe, the Kreuger 100 represents a novel approach to air defense. Unlike traditional interceptors that rely on costly onboard sensors and propulsion systems, the Kreuger 100 uses pulsed propulsion and software-defined flight control, significantly reducing production costs and enabling large-scale deployment.
- Speed & Mobility: Capable of reaching 270 km/h in civilian configurations, with higher speeds for military variants.
- Battery-Powered Operation: Ensures cost-effective deployment without reliance on conventional fuel-based propulsion.
- Software-Defined Control: Advanced aerodynamics and flight algorithms replace expensive hardware components.
- Infrared Tracking: Enables 24/7 operation in various weather conditions, including night-time and cloud cover.
- Modular Design: Allows for mission-specific payloads and adaptable launcher configurations.
Nordic Air Defence was founded by Karl Rosander (previously co-founder of Acast) alongside Rudolf Nordström, Oskar Heiwe, and Gustav Wiberg. The concept for the Kreuger 100 was validated through discussions with physicists at Sweden’s FOI (Defence Research Agency), who helped confirm the feasibility of replacing traditional drone defense hardware with software-driven control systems. After months of simulation and design, the company advanced quickly to prototype testing, operating in secrecy due to security concerns. NAD has since secured three pending patents to protect its innovations.
As a Stockholm-based startup, NAD is committed to reducing Europe’s dependence on foreign defense suppliers, particularly those from the U.S. The company’s team includes professionals with experience at leading defense and technology firms such as Palantir, Kratos, FOI, Saab, Codon, Katla, Quantum Systems, and Zipline. Its work spans drone technology, artificial intelligence, and defense system integration, merging expertise from both military and civilian sectors.
Beyond the Kreuger 100, NAD aims to expand its portfolio to include defense systems addressing threats across air, land, sea, and subsea domains. The company focuses on rapid development, testing, and deployment, positioning itself as a key player in strengthening Europe’s defense autonomy. NAD has participated in events such as the Resilience Conference in London and is slated to appear at multiple defense summits and technology hackathons throughout 2025.
- Russian Orlan-10: A reconnaissance drone used extensively in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
- Iranian-Designed Shahed Loitering Munition: Known for its devastating impact in recent conflicts.
NAD emphasizes that these drones are not just direct attack weapons but also play crucial roles in reconnaissance and artillery targeting. The Kreuger 100 is specifically designed to engage these threats at mid-altitudes (around 2,000 meters) before they can complete their missions.
In civilian applications, the Kreuger 100 could enhance security for airports, nuclear power plants, ports, government buildings, and maritime vessels. Sweden has seen an increase in unauthorized drone activity, including surveillance attempts over critical infrastructure. NAD asserts that current air defense coverage in Sweden only protects about 5% of national territory, mostly military sites, leaving significant vulnerabilities.
Karl Rosander has publicly stated that Europe must reduce its reliance on external powers for defense. He cited the 2025 Munich Security Conference, where U.S. Vice President JD Vance signaled reduced American military support for Europe, as a pivotal moment in European defense policy.
Rosander has also pointed out long-standing issues in European defense procurement, arguing that the sector is slow-moving and overly dependent on foreign suppliers. He believes that the traditional aversion to defense investment, particularly in Sweden, has been eroding since the war in Ukraine. Previously, defense startups faced stigma, as seen when Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek encountered backlash for his defense technology investments in 2021.
Rosander is a vocal advocate for regulatory and investment reforms that would facilitate defense innovation. He has suggested that ESG-related investment restrictions should be reconsidered so that defense technology firms are not automatically excluded from funding opportunities. He also believes that domestic defense capabilities are essential for strategic autonomy and operational efficiency.
Drawing parallels with the rapid innovation seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rosander argues that European defense needs similar urgency and collaboration between public and private sectors. He contends that the current procurement model favors large, slow-moving defense primes and is poorly suited for supporting agile startups developing autonomous and software-driven weapons systems.
Rosander has also commented on potential shifts in U.S. defense policy following the 2024 election. While some defense startups may benefit from proposed policy changes under a new Trump administration, he warns that Europe must not depend on American support. The unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy, he argues, reinforces the need for Europe to develop its own defense capabilities.
As Nordic Air Defence continues to develop and refine the Kreuger 100, its success may serve as a model for how Europe can foster homegrown defense technologies. With a focus on software-defined systems, affordability, and scalability, NAD represents a new wave of defense startups aiming to transform European security infrastructure.
The Kreuger 100 marks a significant step forward in European air defense, offering a scalable, cost-effective solution to emerging drone threats. With growing investment, strategic industry partnerships, and a mission to enhance European autonomy, Nordic Air Defence is well-positioned to shape the future of counter-drone technology.
