Vernius

Most interceptors used against drones are still manually piloted, which limits how fast operators can react to fast, evasive threats. Active radar seekers could let interceptors launch and guide autonomously, but existing seekers cost six figures per unit, more than the drones they are meant to stop. Over half of Shaheds flying over Ukraine are now jet-powered, making them too fast for FPV operators to manually locate and catch in the final kilometer due to C2 latency. High-end alternatives like the Patriot system cost around $4M per intercept, and the radar seeker head remains the single most expensive subsystem of any autonomous interceptor.

Vernius makes active radar seekers and ground radars designed for counter-UAS use, built to work in all weather conditions including fog, smoke, rain, and darkness. The seekers support two modes: fully autonomous interception, where the interceptor launches on a C2 fire control cue and flies to the target under radar guidance with vision-based terminal guidance for final intercept, and operator-assisted guidance, where the seeker streams live target range and bearing to a pilot's display so they can see the target before visual acquisition. The product line includes the Archimedes 1A (80mm, for FPV interceptors targeting Shahed-class UAS), Archimedes 1B (120mm, for UGVs and motherships targeting quad FPVs and Shaheds), and Barca 1, a ballistic-capable seeker for interceptor missiles targeting cruise missiles and SRBMs on a classified platform. The seekers are designed to adapt to existing interceptor airframes rather than requiring new platforms.

Over 50% of Shaheds over Ukraine are now jet-powered, and C2 latency makes FPV operators unable to manually catch these faster targets in the final kilometer, creating urgency for autonomous radar-guided interception.