HIGH-FREQUENCY MICROWAVE AMPLIFIERS TO DISABLE HOSTILE DRONES

While the Netherlands celebrates 80 years of freedom this year, that freedom seems more fragile than ever. Open up the newspaper and you’ll see threats everywhere. One of those threats is hostile drones, which are used in warfare and espionage. Anton Atanasov and Jasmine Sharifa Szimanneck founded AnGard Microwave in response. This spin-off of the UT and TNO develops airborne electronic warfare payloads and high-power microwave systems to counter this emerging threat caused by hostile drones. All for a safer today and a better tomorrow.

This story was first published in the Next Icons Magazine. You can read the entire magazine here.

Drones are often used to take cool photos and videos. To what extent are drones a threat?

Anton: “We see that the future is moving more and more towards autonomous systems. Drones will become an irreplaceable part of our lives - not just for cool photos and videos, but much more.”
Jasmine: “Indeed, drones can also be used for harm, such as smuggling drugs and weapons in prisons, dropping explosives, or spying on sensitive data. Drones make it so easy to perform illegal activities, which is really concerning to me. These facts highlight that we need to adapt to a new world.”

In what way is AnGard Microwave contributing to that?

Anton: “We’re one of the first European startups seriously developing compact airborne electronic warfare payloads. We use these payloads as an accessory to a drone, which can then send out an exact signal to take down - or even take over - hostile drones. No other defence startup does something similar, and our microwave technology allows us to achieve high performance, long range, and high efficiency. That’s very important for systems that must be as compact and lightweight as possible.”
Jasmine: “The technology translates to our understanding of electronic warfare. The system is not only smaller but also more robust, so that it can be used properly in a warfare situation. We truly try to make something that has an impact and changes the world for the better. For example, our microwave technology can also be used for telecommunications applications.”
Anton: “In addition, our high-power microwave technology can also be used to counter the next generation of drone threats so that we can contribute to Europe’s safety and security. In that regard, we’re also supporting Europe’s independence, because this technology can be used in many more industries to improve Europe’s prosperity.”

You founded your spin-off company at the beginning of this year. Was this the right timing?

Anton: “Regarding the current geopolitical situation, our timing is right. We synthesized the products we want to create, which was an important step for us, and we have already participated in several open calls for defense innovation. Additionally, we have started reaching out to companies we want to collaborate with. We’re currently looking for our first launching customer and speaking to investors. More and more investors are starting to understand that the European defense market is rapidly growing. That means we must work hard to differentiate ourselves from other defense companies and position ourselves as complementary to existing systems.”
Jasmine: “That’s why we don’t only focus on a single idea, but we have already identified a range of complementary products based on our technologies. That way, we have more options to offer to governments, drone manufacturers, and private security companies, which broadens our total accessible market across NATO.”

Speaking of ‘complementary’... Is that also your vision of innovation?

Jasmine: “Personally, I think innovation adds to what already exists to make the world better. The focus should not just be on making something new and flashy, but it has to be helpful to society. We have a great idea and good technology, and we are able to package it in such a way that it really brings an impact, that it really changes something.”
Anton: “I fully agree. I also think of the driving force of how nature innovates, which happens in two ways. The first one is inevitable evolution. There’s always the need to move forward. The second is how nature always finds a way to do more with less. That has always resonated with me; life can be found even in the most extreme and unforgivable places, like a desolate desert that holds an oasis.” 

In that sense, is innovation a matter of luck?

Anton: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. A major driving factor for business is being in the right place at the right time. Call it providence, destiny, or luck. But to me, it boils down to being prepared for when the opportunity arises.”
Jasmine: “In our case, the preparation was in combining Anton’s research ideas with my business experiences to define a unique product range, and the opportunity is that modern threats require modern counters. Europe should no longer outsource its security and prosperity.”
Anton: “Exactly, and in that regard, luck is an integral component of every business. Dumb luck exists, but you can’t rely on it. You have to be prepared for the opportunities present.”