Scata develops mobile air defence system against drones and cruise missiles

Pietarsaari-based defence technology company Scata is developing a mobile air defence system to protect against drones and cruise missiles, Yle reports. The system, called Varde, is due to be unveiled in Helsinki in February.

Varde is designed to counter both small and large drones, as well as subsonic cruise missiles. It does not cover ballistic missiles. The system will complement Scata’s MK1 armoured vehicle, which the company introduced earlier this year.

Chief executive Viktor Ekman said Scata had planned from the outset to build a complete defence system around the vehicle. The company first needed to develop a suitable platform, he said.

Varde uses an open command system that can be connected to customers’ other equipment and to NATO networks, according to Ekman. It can also jam radio links when that is sufficient, instead of using costly missiles. A drone that loses contact with its operator cannot receive control commands or send video.

The system detects threats using radar, day and night cameras, radio monitoring and ground sensors, which can identify even low-flying drones. Scata plans to officially present Varde at the SecD-Day security and defence fair in Helsinki in early February.