The Latvian startup Origin Robotics has launched BLAZE. It is an autonomous interceptor drone that can destroy enemy drones either by ramming them into them or destroying them. BLAZE can be deployed on the battlefield within a minute. It comes in a small case that doubles as both a charging dock and a launchpad.

BLAZE, powered by computer vision, has been trained to distinguish between different aircraft types, and other objects such as birds. This system is combined with traditional radar for high-precision tracking of aerial targets.

After locking onto an enemy unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV), BLAZE takes to the air and zips away from the ground to intercept it. It is equipped with a warhead that it uses to slam into the target, destroying both the drone and itself. It can also self detonate when it gets close to the enemy. Origin told TNW that, while this may seem like a waste, each unit is at least 10x cheaper than the drones it is designed to intercept. Origin did not reveal the exact price.

Although BLAZE is fully autonomous, Origin claims that operators remain in control until the very last moment. The device has a “wave off” function that allows the drones to return safely, or self-destruct when needed. This is to reduce the chance of friendly fire.

As the drones reshape warfare in modern times, Origin offers BLAZE to counter them. It fills the gap between expensive missile interceptors and gun-based air defence.

According to Agris Kuprs, CEO and founder of Origin Robotics: “The need for a BLAZE system is immediate – it’s driven directly by the real-world operational needs that are unfolding now.” He said that the company intends to “enable NATO Armies across Europe.” BEAK, Origin’s flagship drone is already in active combat in Ukraine.

Ukraine is also facing its own onslaughtof Russian drones, leaving it scrambling to find cheaper ways to counter the mass-produced aerial threat.

In just one month in January 2025, Russia andlaunched over 2,500 drones into Ukrainian territory.

Kipurs said that BLAZE was designed to counter this threat. It is a fast and intelligent addition to existing air defense systems.

In asymmetric warfare drones are widely used and relatively inexpensive to overwhelm air defences, strike targets at the frontline as well as deep behind them, making it difficult and expensive to counter, he added.

Ukraine relies increasingly on First-person view (FPV), Interceptor drones, to counter the Russian attacks. These piloted FPVs look like consumer drones with explosives attached.

This approach, while creative, is not scalable and extremely challenging,” Kipurs said . Using FPVs to intercept, he continued “requires a highly skilled pilot with extensive flight time and training — skills that are rare even among experienced operators.” The company has raised more than $9mn so far. The company also recently received a grant and an R&D contract with the Latvian Ministry of Defence.

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