Erik Prince, the founder of the private security firm Blackwater, has launched a new venture called Vectus Air Defense Systems. This company aims to provide "air defense as a service" to governments and operators of critical infrastructure, addressing the growing threat posed by drones. Prince highlighted the evolving nature of drone threats as "critical" and emphasized the need for private sector solutions to drastically reduce defense costs.
Vectus Air Defense Systems will design, integrate, and operate comprehensive, layered air defense systems under multi-year contracts. These services will encompass system architecture, equipment provision, personnel, operations, management, and ongoing maintenance, offering an end-to-end managed solution tailored to each customer's specific threat environment and operational needs.
Swarmer, Inc., a drone autonomy software company that has supported over 100,000 combat missions in Ukraine, has partnered with and made an equity investment in Vectus Air Defense Systems. Swarmer will collaborate with Vectus on developing advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capabilities, including drone interceptor swarming technology. Erik Prince also serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of Swarmer.
The systems deployed by Vectus will integrate battle-tested technologies from the United States, Ukraine, Israel, and other allied nations. This layered counter-UAS architecture will include advanced detection and tracking, electronic warfare, drone interceptors, and high-rate-of-fire large-caliber cannons. The company aims to ensure critical infrastructure remains operational by continuously monitoring evolving threats and upgrading deployed systems as technologies and tactics change.
