Polish-Ukrainian defense technology firm Molfar Defence is developing an advanced generation of tactical radar systems designed to detect drone threats that have repeatedly breached Ukrainian air defenses.
The new radar technology is intended to identify small, low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including fiber-optic drones that communicate with operators through physical cables. Because these drones do not rely on radio signals, they are largely unaffected by conventional electronic warfare countermeasures.
Speaking to Defense News, Molfar Defence co-founder Maks Dzherikhov explained that the company is focused on strengthening existing air-defense networks, which are finding it increasingly difficult to track smaller and slower aerial targets.
According to Dzherikhov, the rapid global expansion of drone manufacturing and the advancement of autonomous communication technologies are creating new challenges for defense systems. He also noted that traditional, high-value radar installations are vulnerable to attack, citing recent developments in the Gulf region as evidence that critical radar infrastructure can be damaged or destroyed, creating dangerous surveillance gaps. As a result, Molfar Defence is prioritizing solutions capable of detecting low-altitude UAVs, particularly multi-rotor drones operating in complex environments.
Growing concerns over Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace, combined with Russia’s use of GPS spoofing techniques to divert Ukrainian strike drones into neighboring allied territories, have prompted countries along NATO’s eastern flank to increase investment in counter-drone capabilities.
During recent trials conducted at Latvia’s Sēlija testing range, NATO’s newest facility for unmanned systems evaluation, several European technology companies successfully intercepted multiple drones. Nevertheless, unsuccessful engagements highlighted the continuing difficulty of adapting counter-drone technologies to rapidly evolving battlefield conditions.
Molfar Defence’s radar systems employ sophisticated signal-processing methods and multidimensional target modeling to distinguish drones from other airborne objects. The company states that these systems can maintain effective performance even in cluttered environments and adverse weather conditions.
Dzherikhov emphasized that fiber-optic drones and other advanced transmission-based UAVs are evolving rapidly. Their small size and ability to fly extremely close to the ground make them difficult targets for many existing radar systems, which were originally designed to detect larger and faster-moving aircraft.
To support its ongoing research and development efforts, Molfar Defence recently secured fresh investment from Swedish venture capital firm Front Ventures. The funding round raised €2 million ($2.3 million), with Front Ventures contributing €1.5 million.
Headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, the company is also establishing a presence in Ukraine to work closely with the country’s armed forces and adapt its radar technology to real-world combat requirements. Mass production of the new radar systems is expected to commence toward the end of 2027.
