Defense startup CDDS off to a good start

Founded in May 2025, CDDS (Counter Defense Drone Systems) builds autonomous, kinetic interceptor drones that detect, track, and physically neutralize airborne threats with unmatched precision. The drones are powered by real-time vision, reinforcement learning, and ultra-low-latency control. Designed for protection purposes, the interceptor drones fly at 210 kilometers per hour horizontally or 300km/h vertically, guided by radar toward a threat and once close enough, use an optical sensor to search for the target. As soon as it is detected, the system tracks it, predicts the impact point, and intercepts with full thrust.

The technology is based on a proprietary model that is trained using insights and data from countries like Ukraine and Israel. Leveraging information from regions involved in conflicts strengthens the model, enabling the interceptor drones to effectively identify threats. The system, which consists of an interceptor drone with integrated software for interception calculations, is designed as a single-use system for both military and civilian use, protecting military bases, troops, and infrastructure, as well as civil markets such as events, data centers, and airports.

As with its subsidiary in Norway, CDDS also manufactures drones in Switzerland and partners with local manufacturers in other countries to produce drones with integrated chips and sensors. It collaborates with partners to obtain necessary export licenses, allowing the startup to ship to non-war zones. “There are strict restrictions in Switzerland regarding the sale, export and supply of components used for the construction and production of drones to war zones and certain banned countries like Iran and North Korea”, elaborates the company. As such, the company only sells to clients that use their drones for national defense purposes within countries, focusing on protecting assets from drone threats, and contracts are currently limited to domestic deployments.

So far, the company has sold approximately 50 units for internal testing and demonstrations with military clients in the US, Switzerland, and NATO countries, with ongoing discussions for non-military customers in Switzerland and Norway. Upon launching in early 2026, the company sees vast potential for larger orders. There is already interest from clients for up to 100,000 interceptor drones.

Behind CDDS is a team of five employees, three of whom are based in Switzerland and two in Norway, with backgrounds in software and reinforcement learning. They have been working on the solution for one year, funded with their own capital. To accelerate development and growth, the company is fundraising to raise CHF 4 million seed funding. The funds will also be used to expand the team and support commercialization efforts.

(RAN)