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Summary
Marduk Technologies (Tallinn, Estonia; founded 2016) is developing passive electro-optical drone detection systems specifically targeting the fiber-optic tethered drone threat — the most acute emerging gap in C-UAS detection. Their Piraya system uses high-resolution optical and thermal cameras with AI tracking to detect and cue engagement of drones without emitting any signals. This passive approach is a critical differentiator in contested electronic warfare environments where active radar emissions can be detected and targeted. The system was tested live-fire at the Estonian military’s Siil 2025 exercise with verified results.
Key Facts
- HQ: Tallinn, Estonia
- Founded: 2016
- Type: Company — Platform OEM; early-stage startup
- Funding: Estonian Ministry of Defense Defense Industry Competition funding
- Key product: Piraya passive EO C-UAS system
- Status: Early-stage; live-fire demonstrated; pre-production
Piraya System
Technology: Passive electro-optical and thermal cameras with AI-driven drone detection and tracking. No active emissions (radar, RF, laser). Detects drones visually and by motor heat signature.
Key capability — fiber-optic drone detection: While radar detects fiber-optic drones (which are physically present in airspace), and RF sensors miss them entirely, the Piraya system’s fully passive approach means it can operate in environments where active radar emissions are tactically problematic. This makes it uniquely suited to:
- Environments where adversaries could detect and target radar emissions
- Supplement/backup layer when radar is offline or jammed
- Close-in terminal defense where passive detection is preferred
Siil 2025 exercise results (May 20, 2025):
- Platform: Integrated on CV90 infantry fighting vehicle
- Test: Live-fire phase of Estonian national military exercise
- Result: 6 quadcopters detected, tracked, and neutralized
- Notable: One engagement at 2 km range
- Status: Milestone achievement for the system
Strategic Context
The fiber-optic drone threat emerged from Ukraine/Russia conflict (2024–present) and is now an explicit NATO gap. Marduk is one of the few companies specifically targeting passive optical detection as a solution. The company’s Estonian base positions it well for EU/NATO defense procurement.
NATO Innovation Challenge (April 2025): NATO issued an urgent challenge seeking detection solutions for fiber-optic FPV drones with required detection range of 300–500 m. Marduk’s Piraya is directly relevant.