European Sensors & EW Companies
Sensors and electronic warfare span some of the most technically demanding work in European defence, from airborne SIGINT and radar to jamming systems, counter-drone detection and maritime surveillance. Germany's Hensoldt is among the largest European-listed pure-plays in this space, with radar, optronics and electronic warfare products across land, air and naval domains. Alongside large primes, a growing number of smaller firms are building niche sensor payloads, software-defined radio systems and AI-driven signal processing tools.
Where these companies are based
Builds battlefield AI software, autonomous strike drones and electronic warfare systems for European armed forces.



Develops deployable computer vision software for drone platforms and counter-UAS systems, covering detection, GNSS-independent navigation and autonomous interception in contested environments.
Builds quantum diamond microscopes for non-destructive defect imaging and current mapping in semiconductor chips and wafers.
Builds flight inspection systems and airborne surveillance platforms for aviation authorities, coast guards and military operators worldwide.
Deep-tech company building sensors, space systems, robotics, and quantum technology for defence and aerospace applications.



Develops a universal RISC-V microprocessor that replaces multiple embedded chips — CPU, DSP, GPU and FPGA — with a single reconfigurable processor.
Builds and operates a thermal satellite constellation that measures surface temperatures globally to give governments and military agencies intelligence invisible to optical and radar systems.
Designs and manufactures high-damage-threshold laser optics for defence laser systems, directed energy weapons, missile guidance and space applications, using ion beam sputtering technology.
Rowden Technologies delivers information-sharing and sensing solutions for defence, national security, and emergency services. The Bristol-based company specializes in networking, sensing, and computing systems, combining rapid assimilation of commercial technology with deep manufacturing expertise.
Austrian high-tech company specializing in GNSS technology that develops cost-efficient electronic warfare solutions including GNSS jammers and countermeasures. Provides AIGIS™ systems for jamming all GNSS constellations, frequency bands, and signals up to 15km range.
Develops miniature avionics and transponders for unmanned aircraft, specialising in ADS-B, FLARM and Remote ID systems. Selected as one of 25 key companies in the Polish drone sector by PFR.
Autonomous ground surveillance and AI-powered intelligence systems for border monitoring, military operations, and critical infrastructure protection. Develops SmartSHIELD situation awareness system featuring Mobile Autonomous Surveillance Platform (MASP) with integrated drone stations and C2ISR software Surveilaiz.
Develops rugged embedded electronics, video distribution units and FPGA modules for armoured vehicles and defence systems. Supplies driver vision systems approved for battle tanks to German OEM integrators from its Aalen facility.
Designs and manufactures electronic-scanning ground-based radar systems for surveillance of moving objects on land, coastlines and in the air. Their solid-state micro Doppler radars provide 24/7 surveillance capabilities for border security and military force protection.
Manufactures space-qualified cameras and edge AI vision systems for autonomous defence platforms, with 200+ cameras delivered across satellite, rover, and lunar missions.
Poznan-based SME building ML-powered CBRN sensor networks for chemical and radiological detection. Led the EU-SENSE project and won the Crystal Brussels prize as Poland's most active SME in EU framework programmes.
Develops AI-driven radar perception software for autonomous vehicles, robots, and aerospace applications, providing LiDAR-like performance at a fraction of the cost.
Optoelectronics and thermal imaging systems for defence applications. Advanced sensor technology for military use.
Manufactures real-time spectrum analysers and the AARTOS drone detection system that was the world's first RF-based counter-UAS solution when launched in 2013. Products are used by military and security services for electromagnetic spectrum monitoring and threat detection.
Develops VR and mixed-reality flight simulators for Eurofighter and Tornado aircrew training. A Bundeswehr partner for over 20 years, staffed by 50+ engineers including former Luftwaffe pilots.
Real-time 3D scene reconstruction and geospatial intelligence from drone, satellite, SAR and LiDAR data. Builds persistent spatial memory across missions, automatically detecting changes like new structures or vehicle movements. EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2025 winner.
Photonic components and sensors for defence, aerospace, and telecommunications applications. Lithuanian defence tech ecosystem.
Lithuanian high-precision laser optics and optical coatings manufacturer serving defence, medical, semiconductor, and industrial applications from facilities in Vilnius and Boulder, Colorado.
Designs and manufactures compact thermal imaging clip-on devices and goggles for military forces, specialising in the world's smallest and lightest IR attachments for infantry and mounted weapons.
Developer and manufacturer of next-generation neutron and gamma radiation detection systems using compressed noble-gas technology. Creates radiation portal monitors, drone-based detection systems, and mobile detection units for homeland security and defence applications.
Drone-based unexploded ordnance detection using geomagnetic sensors. University of Munster spin-off founded in 2019 with Cyber Innovation Hub partnership for Bundeswehr mine reconnaissance.
Lithuanian manufacturer of thermal imaging cameras and surveillance systems for security, monitoring, and defence applications.
Builds scalable sensor networks to defend against AI-powered asymmetric threats like drone swarms on land, in the air and at sea. Raised EUR 10.25 million from IQ Capital, HTGF and General Catalyst.
Research and production enterprise manufacturing precision navigational, measuring and control instruments for military aviation and defence applications. Member of the Polish Chamber of National Defence Manufacturers.
Specializes in photonic, laser, fiber-optic and electrical/electronic solutions for aerospace, defence and space harsh environments. Provides high-quality engineered photonic solutions including fiber optic cable assemblies, free space optics, and optical components.
Produces protective barrier systems, surveillance cameras and mine detection equipment for military and state security applications. Products range from small unit defence to battalion-level coverage.
Latvian military-grade night vision and optical equipment manufacturer building the Baltic States' first image intensifier production facility, serving NATO forces.
Manufactures semiconductor and scintillation radiation detectors for nuclear security, CBRN detection and space applications. Rooted in a Soviet-era research institute, now partners with NASA and ESA on radiation measurement systems.
Develops multi-sensor surveillance and reconnaissance systems integrating radar, multispectral cameras and AI for perimeter defence. Product lines include the BEE electro-optical platform, FIREFLY thermal imager and MANTIS covert system for special operations.
Designs and manufactures precision time synchronisation devices for defence radar, sensor networks and critical infrastructure. Over 20 years of operation supplying military and telecom clients.
Private defence research institute specialising in AI, cybersecurity, military UX and IC component design for radar and electronic warfare. Coordinates the EUR 9.7M EDF-funded CYBER4DE project and participates in eight European Defence Fund programmes.
Laser and electro-optical systems for military night combat and border surveillance. LP5X laser aiming device adopted as standard by four NATO armies across 23 countries. EUR17M Lithuanian Armed Forces contract.



Holographic radar technology for drone detection and landmine clearance. NATO Innovation Challenge winner.
Fabless semiconductor company producing NaviSoC, a fully integrated multi-band GNSS receiver with high jamming and spoofing resistivity on a single chip. Founded by Warsaw University of Technology engineers in 2016.
Electronic warfare and tactical situational awareness company. Systems analyse the electromagnetic spectrum in real time for threat detection and spectrum dominance across land, sea and air domains.
R&D centre specialising in optoelectronic and electronic components for portable anti-aircraft systems. Developed the Kusza system capable of launching Piorun, Grom and Stinger missiles from a single platform.
Wireless AI-powered perimeter surveillance sensors for border and military base protection. Deployed in 30 countries securing NATO and EU external borders. EUR14.7M annual revenue.
Manufactures solid-state and fibre lasers across femtosecond, picosecond and nanosecond pulse durations. Participant in the EDF-funded LACE directed energy project. Part of Lithuania's world-class photonics cluster.
Designs and manufactures sonar systems for naval submarines and surface vessels, with nearly 100 years of hydroacoustic engineering based in Kiel, Germany.
ELDIS Pardubice is the leading Czech manufacturer of active radar systems for air traffic control and defence applications. Established in 1991 and part of Czechoslovak Group since 2017, the company produces the RL-2000 Primary Surveillance Radar, MSSR-1 Secondary Surveillance Radar, and PAR-E Precision Landing Radar, serving customers in over 25 countries.
ElFys manufactures highly sensitive photodiodes with external quantum efficiency greater than 96% using patented black silicon induced junction technology for light sensing applications.
Produces GNSS anti-jamming and anti-spoofing monitoring systems, fibre-optic seismographs and precision time synchronisation equipment for the Polish military. NATO-certified with NCAGE code 9ATKH.
ELWAVE designs, manufactures and sells electromagnetic detection, navigation and characterization systems based on innovative "electric sense" technology for underwater and industrial robotics.
Estonian defence electronics company manufacturing intelligent electromechanical devices including blasting systems, drone initiators, and area protection sensors for military and mining applications.
Ephos designs and manufactures glass-based integrated photonic circuits using femtosecond laser writing techniques that power advanced classical and quantum computing devices.
Designs and produces thermal imaging cameras, sights and optoelectronic devices for the Polish Armed Forces and other uniformed services. Founded in 2002, holds AQAP 2110 military quality certification.
Polish UAV manufacturer based in the Aviation Valley region with 12 years of operational experience flying for the Polish Anti-Aircraft Defence Forces. Has manufactured 280 Vermin aerial target systems and logged over 2,000 military flights. Also develops the HAASTA 150 kg-class ISR and strike drone.
Designs biomimetic underwater robots and acoustic communication systems for naval and offshore operations. Products include autonomous underwater vehicles inspired by penguin locomotion and dolphin-based acoustic modems for subsea positioning. Founded in 2000 in Berlin.
Designs and manufactures fixed-wing and VTOL UAVs for ISR, strike and counter-drone missions using exclusively NATO-allied components. Raised €4.5 million in 2025 to build a new production facility in Poland.
Develops the Songbird VTOL fixed-wing drone for ISR, transport and surveillance with 2-6 hours of flight time, and the BEE-H6 heavy-lift hexacopter carrying up to 200 kg. Offers modular payload integration for military and civilian applications.
Polish engineering company developing GNSS interference detection and classification systems. Products include GP-Probe compact jamming detectors and GP-Cloud real-time analytics platform, used to protect critical infrastructure, drone operations and military navigation from spoofing and jamming attacks.
Develops cosmic-ray based 3D imaging solutions using muon tomography technology for non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring of critical infrastructure.
Designs and develops precision-engineered electro-optical sensor systems for commercial and defence applications, providing stabilized surveillance and targeting platforms with modular system architecture.
Spin-off from Laser Zentrum Hannover developing ultra-fast laser beam steering for counter-drone defence. The FASTLIGHT SHIELD system claims theoretical intercept capability of up to 300 drones per minute. Backed by HTGF.
Vertically integrated manufacturer of infrared optical components and thermal imaging products for aerospace and defence. Subsidiary of LightPath Technologies, producing MWIR and LWIR lens assemblies from its Riga facility.
Value-added distributor of military communications, tactical radios, SATCOM, optronics and night vision devices. Serves as MRO partner to the Bundeswehr for rescue equipment, NVGs and military radios since 1992.
Develops precise indoor and outdoor positioning systems using proprietary algorithms and rugged hardware for defence and security applications. Supplies Rheinmetall and ARX Robotics with radio-based position tracking for GPS-denied environments.
Develops advanced night vision systems specifically designed for FPV drones. Provides 24/7 visibility solutions for unmanned vehicle applications in defence contexts.
Estonian defence tech company developing AI-powered situational awareness and battlefield management systems for NATO forces.
Metahelios develops highly advanced cameras for defence and space applications using optical metasurfaces. The company is the first and only in the world to design and manufacture metasurface-integrated camera solutions, collaborating with the UK Ministry of Defence on imaging nanotechnologies for surveillance and material classification.
Supplies military electronics, optoelectronics, armoured vehicle overhaul and modernisation services, air defence systems, radars, surveillance systems and training simulators for the Polish Armed Forces.
Manufactures quantum cascade lasers and gas sensors for defence and industrial applications. Produces QCL technology for missile defence systems and toxic gas detection.
Polish environmental monitoring platform deploying proprietary USV drones, ROV underwater drones, AI-powered cameras and sensor buoys for waterway surveillance, critical infrastructure protection and environmental threat detection.
Designs and manufactures UAV structures, autonomous control systems and stabilised sensor gimbals. Has delivered over 110 target drones to the Polish Armed Forces.
Develops superconducting single-photon detectors for photonic quantum sensing and optical quantum computing. Specializes in quantum sensing instrumentation.
Manufactures quantum deformation sensors using nanoparticle technology for ultra-sensitive strain detection. Provides quantum sensing solutions for structural monitoring.
Only privately-owned company in Poland certified to maintain and service Mi-2 military helicopters. Provides avionics modernisation, navigation and radar upgrades for the Polish military fleet.
R&D engineering firm developing wireless passive sensors for temperature and deflection measurement, including high-temperature remote sensing systems. Works on defence and CBRN applications with European research consortia.
Leads fiber optic sensing technology providing ultra-sensitive early warning systems for defence and energy sectors. Specializes in state-of-the-art sensing systems.


Satellite-based signal intelligence using distributed small satellite networks. Universität der Bundeswehr München spin-off backed by Rohde and Schwarz, detecting and locating signals in near real time from space.
Builds a satellite constellation and wildfire management platform that detects and tracks fires as small as 10x10 metres across 500 million hectares globally, serving fire agencies and land managers in 25 countries.
Polish manufacturer of CBRN detection equipment with over 20 years in the defence sector. Its CHERDES family of chemical, radiological and nuclear threat detectors is the standard system aboard Polish Army Rosomak APCs and PT-91 tanks, deployed in Afghanistan, Chad and Iraq.
Builds SIGINT, COMINT and electronic warfare systems for military and government customers, covering the full intelligence collection cycle across land, naval and airborne platforms.
Manufactures hybrid multirotor drone platforms with thermal imaging, night vision and RGB cameras for security, border patrol and critical infrastructure monitoring. Integrates AI-based anomaly detection with crisis management systems.
Develops and manufactures ground-penetrating radar systems derived from space radar technology. Over 1,000 GPR units sold across five continents for subsurface imaging, mine detection and infrastructure assessment.
Produces military cable harnesses, fibre optic systems, EMI filters and power supplies meeting MIL-STD-1553B DataBus standards. Holds NATO Entity Code 879H and QPL certification from the US Defense Supply Center Columbus.
Designs and manufactures electronic systems including electronic warfare equipment, drone detection systems, and RF devices. Provides solutions for defence, security, and industrial sectors.
Private capital group integrating, developing and producing drones, avionics, electronic warfare and communication electronics to dual-use standards. Operates through subsidiaries in Poland and the United Kingdom.
Designs and manufactures high-fidelity flight simulators, maintenance training rigs and augmented reality training devices for military and civil aviation customers worldwide.
Provides radiofrequency monitoring and security solutions for detecting, locating, and analyzing radio wave emitting devices to protect against drones, jamming, and data theft threats.
Develops the ARGOS APS passive counter-drone system using AI-assisted acoustic and optical sensor fusion instead of radar to avoid electronic detection. Designed by soldiers for soldiers with a target price under EUR 100,000 per unit for scalable frontline deployment.
3D Doppler radar for drone detection and counter-UAS operations, originally developed for bird-strike avoidance at airports.


RVmagnetics develops the world's smallest passive sensor technology using MicroWire - a contactless sensor thinner than a human hair that measures pressure, temperature, magnetic field, torsion, position, and electric current. Part of NATO DIANA's Phase 2 accelerator program.
Designs and manufactures solar-powered and portable airfield lighting systems for civil airports and military airbases. NATO STANAG-compliant military lighting trailers deployed by the Bundeswehr, USAF and armed forces in 50+ countries.
Builds space cameras and vision systems for Earth observation, in-space operations and space exploration. Deployed the largest telescope in Polish history on a nanosatellite platform.
Develops and manufactures precision military rifle scopes from Biebertal with over 90 employees. The Police Marksman series is used by elite forces including US military and NATO snipers. Founded 1957 by two German instrument makers.
Electronics company and NATO-codified supplier (NCAGE 2082H) producing laser modules, EMS assembly services and components for military and industrial applications.
Laser-based shot detection and positioning system for military rifles, enabling instant sniper location identification. DASA-funded.
Develops high-precision MEMS inertial and gravity sensors for navigation, aerospace, defence, and subsurface exploration applications.
Provides TEMPEST-certified IT equipment, satellite and radio communications, cryptography, optoelectronic fire-control systems and secure power supply to EU and NATO defence customers. Employs approximately 150 people from its base near Warsaw.
SINTEG Systems is a TU Delft spin-off developing advanced inspection technologies for composite structures. Their wireless sensor systems enable in-situ, real-time, and non-intrusive evaluation of composite materials using innovative ultrasound-based inspection technology, providing quantifiable assessment of material integrity.
Science-driven SME specialising in optics, holographic lenses, FEM simulations and AI for defence. Participates in EDF projects including ACHILE soldier protection systems and Faraday battlefield AI algorithms.
Counter-drone startup developing the DroneHammer, a laser-guided interceptor missile that neutralises FPV drones at up to 2,000 metres for around EUR 2,500 per shot. Uses CO2-based fragmentation instead of explosives. Pre-series production planned for Q4 2026.
Slipstream Design develops advanced RF and digital signal processing systems for defence, security, telecommunications, and space. Their flagship ASTRO platform is an ultra-wideband adaptive radio processor delivering resilient sensing and communication technology for mission-critical operations in contested electromagnetic environments.
Europe's only manufacturer of guyless mobile antenna masts up to 40 metres. Over 1,900 units in military service worldwide for communications, radar and surveillance. Bundeswehr supplier since 1974.
AI-powered maritime defence sensors using fluxgate magnetometers and hydrophones for underwater threat detection.
Builds suborbital rockets, radar systems and space-grade electronics from its Gdynia facility. The 11.5-metre PERUN rocket reached 65 km altitude in its first three-stage test flight in November 2024.
Designs and integrates combat drone systems including the Spectre-1 VTOL reconnaissance UAV and fiber-optic guided kamikaze drones with 10-20 km range. Supplies military and specialist services with platforms for reconnaissance, transport and strike.
Develops bio-robotic systems using living insects equipped with sensor backpacks for reconnaissance in confined and hazardous environments. Deployed with paying NATO customers including the Bundeswehr. Raised EUR 13 million in funding.
Provides integrated drone detection, neutralisation and critical infrastructure audit systems for military and civilian clients. Developed the first proprietary system for auditing critical infrastructure against drone threats.
Night vision and thermal imaging devices manufactured for military forces in over 60 countries worldwide.



Develops electronic solutions for drone detection and neutralisation, GSM-LTE vehicle surveillance, mesh network monitoring and radio signal interception for government organisations.
Lightweight mobile explosives trace detector weighing 1.3 kg, using chemical-optical measurement technology with patented fluorescent dyes that react to TNT and other explosives. BAM spin-off supported by the EXIST funding programme.
Develops precision drone landing assistance systems using lightweight onboard receivers (10 grams) and ground units (45 grams) that enable safe UAV landings without GPS, in darkness and in adverse weather conditions.
Delivers and integrates electronic security systems, unmanned aerial systems, video analytics and tactical vision systems for the Polish Armed Forces and uniformed services. Operating since 2007, exhibits regularly at MSPO.
Distributes and integrates US-made electronic warfare, reconnaissance and communications equipment for the Polish Armed Forces. Partnered with Cubic Defence Applications on simulator systems selected by the Polish Army.
Develops digital wideband RF jammers and counter-drone systems manufactured in Germany. The modular XWJ2 platform covers vehicle, portable and stationary jamming across 800+ security projects in 90+ countries since 2003.
Dual-use sensor and robotics company building vehicle identification systems, autonomous sensing platforms and custom control systems for defence and medical applications. Based at Lithuania's Kaunas technology hub.
Develops and manufactures thermal imaging cameras and electronic modules for military, government and civilian use. Founded in 2012, the company produces all devices at its Fürth facility and serves as OEM partner for thermal imaging technology.
Developer of Mixed Reality Situational Awareness Systems providing 360-degree vision capabilities for armoured vehicle crews through camera systems and XR technology for enhanced battlefield awareness.
Vidar Systems specializes in acoustic intelligence for perimeter and battlefield sensing. Their Acoustic Weapon Locating System (AWLS) detects gunfire including howitzers, mortars, tanks, and machine guns using a network of distributed acoustic sensors combined with advanced machine learning algorithms.
Manufactures thermal imaging devices, germanium lenses, IR optical coatings and optoelectronic surveillance systems for defence applications. Produces complete IR optical assemblies from design through coating and final integration.
3D spatial sensing and eye tracking technology for defence simulation, autonomous systems, and industrial applications.
Engineering firm developing kinetic counter-drone systems that combine computer vision with automated machine-gun interception. Holds an R&D contract with Latvia's Ministry of Defence as part of the country's EUR 10 million counter-drone initiative.
Develops RF electronics, satellite frequency converters and navigation simulators with a growing defence electronics division. Selected by ESA as prime contractor for the IRIS2 secure connectivity constellation test bed.
Warsaw University of Technology spin-off specializing in SAR imaging radars, passive radar location and electronic warfare signal processing. Participates in the European Defence Fund's ARTURO and TIRESYAS radar technology programmes.
Develops compact, mobile telescopic mast systems with self-locking structures for mounting sensors and effectors on military platforms. Products feature internal cable routing and modular payload interfaces for field deployment. Founded 2011.
Manufactures radar equipment and marine navigation radars, originally established in 1978 as part of the RADWAR electronics group. Produces equipment and systems for military and dual-use security applications.
