Askari builds low‑cost, fully 3D‑printed kinetic interceptors that autonomously engage hostile drones within a 2 km range. Leveraging thousands of hours of flight data, its auto‑generated autonomy stack enables new hardware and software to be fielded in weeks rather than years, allowing rapid, man‑portable deployment for military and security agencies.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Hostile drones can be deployed rapidly and at low cost, outpacing traditional air‑defense systems that are expensive, bulky, and require long development cycles. This creates a security gap where adversaries can conduct surveillance, attacks, or swarms with minimal risk.
Solution
Askari provides low‑cost kinetic defense systems that autonomously intercept hostile drones using fully 3D‑printed, hand‑launchable interceptors. Their platform leverages thousands of hours of real‑world flight data to auto‑generate autonomy software, enabling hardware and software updates to be fielded in weeks rather than years. The interceptors are man‑portable, operate up to 2 km, and require no external control stations, allowing rapid deployment in contested or remote environments. By making denial cheaper than the attack, the solution reduces the incentive for adversaries to proliferate robotic weapons.
Target Audience
Primary customers are military and security agencies—including the U.S. Army, Navy, SOCOM, Department of Homeland Security, and Customs & Border Protection—that require fast, affordable solutions to counter hostile drones in the field.
Features
- Fully 3D‑printed airframe interceptors (Rift Alpha) that are hand‑launchable and man‑portable
- Autonomous interception using an auto‑generated autonomy stack derived from extensive flight data
- Ultra‑compact, foldable design (Rift Bravo) for easy transport and rapid launch from a hand‑held tube
- Operational range of up to 2 km covering multiple drone target groups (Group 1 & 2)
- Rapid development cycle delivering new hardware and software capabilities within 2–4 weeks