Mercedes-Benz is to collaborate with a drone manufacturer that supplies Ukraine with interceptor drones
Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a strategic partnership with Munich-based company Tytan Technologies, which supplies Ukraine with drone interceptors. This was reported by Der Spiegel.
According to the publication, the parties are set to sign a memorandum of understanding during the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin. The partnership will develop within the framework of the Drone Defender air defence project.
The system is designed to protect Germany’s critical infrastructure from drones, which have been regularly spotted near airports and other key sites in recent years. At the same time, the system can also be deployed directly in combat zones.
Earlier, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius stated that Europe must strengthen its own defence capabilities. According to him, the company is ready to join this process if it can play a positive role.
One of the key elements of the project will be the Mercedes G-Class. Off-road vehicles, equipped with radars and sensors, will be used as platforms for launching Tytan interceptor drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles are designed for the autonomous detection and destruction of enemy drones.
Launchers with drones can be mounted on vehicles. The companies also plan to create mobile air defence units. The coordination of such units can be carried out from Mercedes Sprinter vans, which will serve as command posts.
Tytan Technologies was founded in autumn 2023 by Balázs Nád and Batuhan Yumurtacı, graduates of the Technical University of Munich. The start-up has already received an order from the Bundeswehr to develop a concept for the protection of military facilities and is supplying Ukraine with interceptor drones.
The company’s investors include the NATO Innovation Fund. The total amount of funding raised stands at €46 million.
This summer, Tytan Technologies plans to launch a new factory in Munich. By the end of the year, the company aims to reach a production capacity of up to 3,000 drones per month.
The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Tytan Technologies is yet another example of the convergence of the European automotive and defence sectors. Previously, Deutz began collaborating with robotics manufacturer Arx Robotics, Schaeffler is working with military drone developer Helsing, and Daimler Truck is implementing joint projects with Quantum Systems.
Defence contractors and car manufacturers are also discussing the use of automotive production facilities. In particular, KNDS has expressed interest in the Mercedes plant in Ludwigsfelde, whilst Volkswagen is in talks regarding the possible sale of its Osnabrück plant to the Israeli company Rafael or the German firm Rheinmetall.
In addition, the French company Renault has previously signed an agreement with the defence group Turgis Gaillard regarding the production of drones for Ukraine.
