Estonia, a nation celebrated for its digital prowess and a leading position in the startup sector, is rapidly emerging as a significant force in the defence technology sector. DefSecIntel Solutions is a key player in this emerging sector. The company has a clear and ambitious vision: to pioneer the development and deployment of AI-powered solutions for surveillance, drone countermeasures, and autonomous maritime operations.
DefSecIntel Solutions aims to play a crucial role in protecting the external borders of the European Union and NATO. The company’s innovative approach and rapid growth have garnered recognition both within Estonia and internationally. They have been acknowledged for their contributions to the technology sector and for their innovative solutions. A significant portion of the company’s advanced solutions is currently geared towards export markets.
“For example, to protect undersea cables, which are vital for global communication and energy transfer, the USV could be deployed for surveillance and patrolling in areas where these cables are located, ensuring their security and detecting any potential threats or interference.”
Jaanus Tamm, CEO of DefSecIntel Solutions
“Our main focus is AI – everything from AI-equipped surveillance solutions, drone detection, and counter-drone solutions,” explains CEO Jaanus Tamm, underscoring the company’s specialisation in cutting-edge, AI-driven systems, designed to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
DefSecIntel´s Euromite. Photo: DefSecIntel Solutions
In 2024, DefSecIntel won two major titles at the Estonian Startup Awards, affirming its position as one of the country’s most innovative technology companies. The company was also recognised as the Top Innovator at the Estonian Company of the Year Awards, in addition to placing among the Top 3 exporters and being named the second-most competitive industrial and energy company. At the individual level, CEO Jaanus Tamm was honoured with the title of EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024.
The offerings of DefSecIntel are comprehensive, encompassing the development of both advanced software and robust hardware, and the integration of complete end-to-end defence and security solutions.
Tamm highlights the company’s capacity to provide integrated systems that address the multifaceted needs of modern defence and security. A cornerstone of their surveillance solutions involves the strategic application of drone technology. DefSecIntel, whose name comes from the words defence, security, and intelligence, not only incorporates drones into its surveillance systems for enhanced observation and data collection, but also develops interceptor drones as part of its proprietary EIRSHIELD system – a multi-layered counter-UAS (C-UAS) or ultra-short-range air defence solution, designed for the effective detection, counteraction, and neutralisation of hostile drones.
AI: the engine of innovation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamental to DefSecIntel’s technological framework, driving the capabilities of their systems and providing a crucial edge in complex operational environments. The company’s command centre software features an AI assistant designed to augment decision-making processes. This is particularly vital for efficiently processing and analysing the vast volumes of data inherent in modern defence and security operations.
DefSecIntel recognises that for end-users such as border guards, who contend with a huge volume of data from diverse sensors, AI plays a critical role in streamlining information flow and highlighting critical events that demand immediate attention.
Their surveillance solutions feature the “Mobile Surveillance Platform”, often integrated with drones for enhanced situational awareness, and are controlled by the “Command Centre with AI” software. The drone detection and counter-drone solutions include the EIRSHIELD system, designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones, and employing “interceptor drones” for this purpose.
“Our main focus is AI – everything from AI-equipped surveillance solutions, drone detection, and counter-drone solutions.”
Jaanus Tamm, CEO of DefSecIntel Solutions
Their AI capabilities extend to a range of critical functions, including the identification of potential threats within visual data and the analysis of radar information to accurately differentiate between drones and other objects, such as birds. In surveillance systems, if a camera detects an anomaly, drones can be automatically deployed to investigate and verify the situation, providing human operators with real-time situational awareness to facilitate informed decision-making.
“If the camera detects something, then the drones fly out and verify what it is,” Tamm explains. While AI delivers crucial analysis and recommendations, the ultimate decision to deploy a drone for verification is reserved for a human operator, ensuring that human oversight remains a key component of the system’s operational protocol.
DefSecIntel´s mobile autonomous surveillance platform SurveilSPIRE and CAIMAN. Photo: DefSecIntel Solutions
Integrated solutions and supply chain integrity
A key differentiator for DefSecIntel is its unwavering commitment to providing complete, integrated solutions that address the full spectrum of client needs. “We offer a complete solution,” Tamm states, underscoring the importance of delivering not just individual components but comprehensive systems that operate seamlessly, eliminating the complexities associated with integrating disparate technologies.
This “one-stop-shop” approach is highly valued by clients, particularly in critical scenarios where time is of the essence and seamless integration is paramount for effective response. DefSecIntel has also prioritised the integrity of its supply chain, a factor of increasing importance in the current geopolitical climate.
According to Tamm, they have reviewed the entire supply chain and ensured that all components are strategically sourced from within Europe and so-called friendly countries. This is done to mitigate potential risks and ensure the security and reliability of its products.
Expanding capabilities: unmanned surface vessels
Despite all the success, DefSecIntel does not simply rest on its laurels – the company is actively pushing the boundaries of innovation in autonomous maritime technology. One of their latest developments is an unmanned surface vessel (USV), an 8.5-metre vessel designed to execute a wide range of maritime missions.
“It’s designed to perform various missions,” Tamm noted, emphasising the USV’s versatility. He then provides a specific example, highlighting its potential role in safeguarding critical infrastructure: “For example, to protect undersea cables, which are vital for global communication and energy transfer, the USV could be deployed for surveillance and patrolling in areas where these cables are located, ensuring their security and detecting any potential threats or interference.”
The surveillance platform SurveilSPIRE. Photo: DefSecIntel Solutions
While the primary focus of the USV’s design is on versatile operations such as patrols, escorting, and logistics, CEO Tamm acknowledges their potential for “kamikaze mission” capabilities. He notes that this was one of the possible applications of the vessel, though it wasn’t the central purpose of its development. The USV’s design, therefore, incorporates the capacity for both conventional maritime roles and the option for high-impact, targeted operations. The USV has a significant maximum operational range of over 800 kilometres.
DefSecIntel is collaborating with another Estonian success story – Baltic Workboats – on the USV project. Baltic Workboats is responsible for building the hull of the vessel. While the USV is currently undergoing testing and development with the Estonian Navy, there are plans to deploy it in Ukraine in the future, demonstrating DefSecIntel’s commitment to supporting defence efforts in the region.
Competitive advantages and strategic vision
Real-world operational success, particularly in the challenging environment of Ukraine, has served to validate the effectiveness and robustness of DefSecIntel’s technology.
“Our solutions are used extensively in Ukraine,” Tamm confirmed, underscoring their crucial role in supporting the country’s defence efforts. More specifically DefSecIntel’s surveillance and counter-drone technology has been deployed. This experience has not only demonstrated the resilience of their systems but also provided invaluable feedback for ongoing development and refinement.
Looking to the future, DefSecIntel has ambitious plans for continued expansion and innovation. The company aims to extend its reach within Europe, offering its proven solutions to enhance the security of European Union borders and NATO member states.
“Our big goal is to help protect the external border of the European Union and NATO,” Tamm emphasises. DefSecIntel is also actively involved in collaborative European defence initiatives, working alongside other industry leaders to drive innovation and shape the future of defence technology.
Beyond the technological advancements, DefSecIntel is experiencing rapid growth and demonstrating significant ambition. The company is expanding its workforce and moving to a new factory to accommodate its increasing scale of operations and production capabilities. This expansion aligns with DefSecIntel’s ambitious financial targets, as the company aims to achieve a turnover of €100 million within the next 3 years.
Strategic partnerships and market focus
DefSecIntel’s strategic vision extends beyond Estonia’s borders. The company is actively pursuing partnerships and market opportunities to expand its reach and impact.
Tamm emphasises the company’s orientation on export, stating that a significant portion of their products is destined for foreign markets. “We are a strong exporter,” he confirmed. “Last year, 99 percent of our products went to foreign markets.” This export focus underscores the global relevance of DefSecIntel’s technology and its potential to contribute to defence and security on a broader scale.
“Last year, 99 percent of our products went to foreign markets.”
Jaanus Tamm, CEO of DefSecIntel
DefSecIntel is countering the challenges posed by “jamming”, or signal interference, which can disrupt the operation of drones and other systems. To counter this, the company employs a range of strategies. These include integrating solutions from specialised providers and exploring emerging technologies, such as those that have been tested by other companies on the frontlines in Ukraine. A key principle, as Tamm emphasised, is that systems cannot rely solely on GPS. DefSecIntel is committed to continuous development, innovation and cooperation with other companies to stay ahead of evolving jamming techniques.
The company is also strategically engaging with key stakeholders in the European defence sector. DefSecIntel collaborates with a range of partners across Europe and actively participates in several high-level defence research and innovation projects supported by the European Defence Fund (EDF) and its pilot programme, the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP). Current projects include PEONEER, AI4DEF, EDOCC, FaRADAI, and HSM4COM, with additional initiatives pending the finalisation of evaluation results.
This content is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU
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