Vartio (open source project)

FPV drones are a major threat in modern warfare, but they often go undetected by traditional radar and RF systems because they fly low and may not emit RF signals. Vartio is developing a mesh-networked system of small acoustic sensors to 'hear' and detect these otherwise invisible drones. The solution is designed for both military deployment in the field and for protecting critical civilian infrastructure, providing a crucial warning layer against this threat class.

FPV (First-Person View) drones are a primary cause of casualties in modern warfare, yet they are difficult to detect with existing systems. They operate below most radar coverage and many, like fiber-optic FPVs, do not emit radio frequencies, making them invisible to RF-based detection systems. This leaves soldiers and critical infrastructure vulnerable to attack.

Vartio is developing a network of small, mesh-networked acoustic sensors to detect drones by sound. This acoustic detection layer is designed to identify drones that are invisible to traditional RF and radar systems. The system is purpose-built to be deployed by soldiers in the field or installed to protect critical infrastructure, providing a warning when threats approach.

The total addressable market for no-infrastructure UAV detection is estimated at €2-3 billion annually. Vartio is initially targeting a serviceable available market of €100-200 million, focusing on the Nordics and NATO's eastern flank as a beachhead market. The company plans to expand internationally to countries like Israel, Australia, and India, and also to critical infrastructure sectors globally.

The primary customers are military forces, starting with the Finnish Defence Forces. The company also plans to target critical infrastructure sectors such as airports (e.g., Fingrid substations), utilities, and oil & gas facilities.

Vartio uses acoustic detection, which it claims is the only proven method for detecting fiber-optic FPV drones that emit no radio frequencies. The system is designed for military use, specifically for Finnish squad doctrine, making it soldier-deployable in forward positions. The same hardware platform can be extended for use in protecting critical infrastructure.

The company plans to conduct "Borderland Living Lab" testing in the summer of 2026 and will seek its first reference customer through Finnish Defence Forces exercise demonstrations. Vartio projects reaching €0-1M in revenue in its first two years, growing to €5-15M in years 3-4 as it expands to the NATO eastern flank.