After 18 years of developing airborne wind energy technology, Kitemill from Voss is entering the defence market, combining high-altitude surveillance with clean energy generation.
Kitemill, one of our portfolio companies, has been featured in Norwegian tech publication Shifter for its move into dual-use and defence applications.
The company develops autonomous, tethered aircraft — kites — that fly at altitudes between 200 and 500 metres. While airborne, the kite generates electricity and can simultaneously carry sensor payloads for airspace monitoring. The product line, Kitewall, is aimed at ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) missions.
"We see an opening market for AWE technology within ISR applications. It is very costly to achieve continuous airspace presence over longer periods of time, and this is something Kitemill can deliver with the product we have developed. For us, this is a significant and positive step towards commercial operations, and it has brought commercialisation considerably closer."
— Thomas Hårklau, CEO, Kitemill
The shift towards dual-use came following input from investors. Drone attacks have become increasingly common in conflict zones and have also targeted civilian infrastructure, including airports in otherwise peaceful areas. The EU has responded by announcing plans for coordinated drone detection systems — so-called drone walls — and Kitemill is positioning itself directly in this segment.
Kitemill is currently active in five EU projects and has received around €5 million in EU support to date.
The EU earlier this year announced plans to establish so-called drone walls, not physical barriers, but coordinated surveillance and mapping systems designed to detect and counter drone threats. Kitemill is now positioning itself directly in this segment.
"Defence will need both energy and help monitoring airspace. Here they get both in one product."
— Thomas Hårklau, CEO, Kitemill
As an owner and board member, Kongsberg Innovasjon is following the development closely.
"Kitemill is a great example of how deep tech developed over many years can find new and highly relevant applications. The move into dual-use and defence is a natural extension of their technology, and we believe this positions them well for commercial breakthrough. As an owner, we are excited to follow this journey."
— Svein Olav Torø, CEO, Kongsberg Innovasjon
Learn more about Kitemill at kitemill.com
