An Estonian defence technology start-up has recently shared a video of tests with its new Mark I interceptor missile against Shahed-type drones, which are widely used in the conflict in Ukraine. The footage shows a small, specially developed missile intercepting a drone during a live-fire test. It shows that more and more companies worldwide are looking for ways to bring drones down effectively and affordably.
The war in Ukraine has made clear that cheap drones such as the Shahed can be a major problem. They are numerous, relatively easy to produce and hard to stop with traditional air defence. Firing missiles costing hundreds of thousands of euros at drones costing a few thousand euros is not economically sustainable. That has led to a growing market for compact, cost-efficient interceptors such as the Mark I. See the video of the test below
What is the Mark I interceptor?
The Mark I is a small, short-range missile specially designed to bring down drones and loitering munitions. The system is built with commercially available components and designed for local, independent mass production by Frankenburg Technologies. Thanks to its compact size of about sixty to sixty-five centimetres, the missile can easily be launched from light vehicles, tripods or temporary launch platforms.
During the tests, a moving fixed-wing Shahed-type drone reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h was intercepted. The system detected the target via an external sensor and C2 system, launched the Mark I from a tripod and guided the missile accurately to the target. The missile reaches a subsonic interception speed of over 1,000 km/h, so that even faster jet-powered drones flying 450 to 600 km/h can be hit. Close to the target, the warhead is detonated, after which the target is taken out in the air and the fragments come down in a controlled way for safety on the range.
The Mark I’s effective interception range is under 2 kilometres, ideal for low-flying or slow propeller drones, but also for faster one-way attack drones and swarm systems. The missile combines speed, precision and short reaction time, which is crucial against modern drone threats.
Affordability and production plans
One of the most important features of the Mark I is its emphasis on affordability. The system can be produced relatively cheaply, even in large numbers, which is essential given the low cost of many drones. Frankenburg Technologies is working to gradually increase production, with the aim of producing hundreds of missiles a week. The compact, standardised design allows rapid scaling up, even locally and independently of large defence contracts.
The company is also seeking international cooperation, including with partners in Poland and the United Kingdom, so that the Mark I can be integrated into existing air defence networks and maritime applications. Below you can clearly see how small these missiles are.
Frankenburg Technologies
Frankenburg Technologies describes the Mark I as a strategic innovation for modern conflicts. CEO Kusti Salm stresses that the missile is relevant not only for Ukraine, but also for broader European defence needs. The system is small, fast and cheap, and combines mechanics, rocket technology and sensor technology in one package. According to the company, the Mark I shows that effective drone defence does not have to be expensive or complex.
Other solutions and the context
The Mark I fits a broader trend of compact counter-drone systems. Worldwide, more and more projects are emerging, from Raytheon’s Coyote to Anduril’s Roadrunner-M. The goal is the same: affordable, fast and efficient interceptors that can deal with cheap and frequent drone threats. In Europe, systems such as MBDA’s DefendAir are also being used, often linked to platforms such as the Skyranger, providing an extra layer of defence.
Why this matters
What makes the Mark I interesting is that it shows how technology and practical solutions come together. At a time when drones are cheap and effective, the defence should not cost more than the target itself. The Mark I proves that compact, fast and affordable interceptors are possible and can work in practice.
