German-based defense startup Alpine Eagle is transforming aerial security with its Sentinel Airborne Counter-UAS System—an advanced, AI-driven, air-to-air counter-drone swarm platform offering unprecedented detection, classification, and interception of hostile drones across complex battlefields.

Unlike ground-based systems limited by terrain and obstacles, Sentinel operates entirely in the air, creating a defensive shield above the battlefield. This air-to-air architecture allows it to intercept unmanned aerial systems—including small drones, micro-UAVs, and loitering munitions—at stand-off distances before they reach their intended targets.

Swarming Intelligence: A Single Operator’s Control, a Force Multiplied

Sentinel’s design features a defensive swarm of UAVs equipped with active radar and optional EO/IR sensors. Each drone covers a sector with approximately 120 degrees of field of view, and together they form a seamless 360-degree aerial detection and interception bubble.

Despite its complexity, the entire swarm is managed by a single operator. This is made possible by high-level automation and advanced data fusion, enabling the operator to focus on decision-making rather than micromanaging individual drones.

At the core of Sentinel’s effectiveness is its onboard edge AI. Each drone processes radar and sensor data in real time, filtering out clutter, classifying threats, predicting trajectories, and identifying hostile intent—all without relying on constant data links. This autonomy is critical for contested and GPS-denied environments.

Battle-Ready: Proven in the Field

Sentinel has been trialed in operational settings where airborne detection drones identified hostile FPV drones from several kilometers away, allowing interceptor drones to be launched to engage and neutralize them in mid-air.

In joint military exercises, its air-to-air counter-UAS capability was validated by allied forces, marking a breakthrough in autonomous aerial defense.

Fast Deployment, High Endurance

A full Sentinel swarm can be deployed and airborne in under 20 minutes. It requires minimal ground infrastructure and uses battery-swap technology to maintain up to 72 hours of continuous operation. Low-battery drones autonomously return for a quick change before rejoining the swarm, ensuring uninterrupted coverage.

The system is engineered to function under electronic warfare conditions, remaining operational even when satellite navigation and communication signals are degraded or denied.

From Battlefield to Border—and Beyond

Although built for military operations, Sentinel’s versatility enables it to protect a wide range of assets:

• Military & Convoys: Defending mobile units, border patrols, and forward operating bases.
• Critical Infrastructure: Securing airports, energy facilities, and seaports.
• Commercial Shipping: Providing stand-off defense against drone attacks on vessels.
• Urban & Event Security: Offering protection for stadiums, large gatherings, and city centers.

Powered by Innovation and Vision

Founded in 2023 by industry veterans Jan-Hendrik Boelens and Timo Breuer, Alpine Eagle has rapidly positioned itself at the forefront of counter-drone technology. The leadership team brings decades of expertise in aerospace, robotics, and AI, supported by significant seed funding to scale production and expand capabilities.

Their long-term vision is the development of fully autonomous, self-coordinating drone swarms capable of conducting complete detection-to-interception cycles without human intervention.

Why Sentinel Matters

Sentinel’s air-to-air counter-UAS design offers clear advantages:

• Unobstructed aerial coverage that bypasses terrain and infrastructure limitations.
• Single-operator swarm control enabled by advanced automation.
• AI-driven precision targeting resistant to electronic interference.
• Rapid deployment and long-duration operational capability.
• Operational proof from real-world trials and joint exercises.
• Dual-use flexibility for military and civilian applications.

In a rapidly evolving aerial threat landscape, Alpine Eagle’s Sentinel is more than a defensive measure—it is a leap forward in autonomous air-to-air security, protecting both combat forces and civilian assets with unmatched agility and intelligence.

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