next-generation air defense
Alta Ares builds the autonomous AI stack for Air Defense and ISTAR used by allied militaries from the Baltic frontier to the Indo-Pacific.
MISSION
A sovereign builder. A global allied customer base.
The next decade of allied security will be decided by who controls the autonomous systems above the battlefield. Alta Ares was founded to help ensure that the technologies shaping the future of defense are developed by allies, for allies, and fielded where they can make the greatest difference.
ONE platform
One platform. Three layers. Air defense, ISTAR AND MISSION management
The Alta Ares platform is a complete AI stack for autonomous defense, comprising air defense effectors, an ISTAR product suite, and a mission management software layer. Every system is designed to operate in contested, GNSS-denied environments and to be rapidly deployed by small teams in the field.
Air defense
BLACK BIRD
Mid- to long-range autonomous interception and strike in contested airspace. A turbojet-powered fixed-wing effector for high-speed engagement of drone and glide-bomb threats over distance, with optional warhead configuration for strike missions. AI terminal guidance under jamming.
6 kg
without warhead
turbojet
Propulsion system
AI
Terminal guidance
670 km/h
Maximum speed
30 km / 20 min
flight autonomy
−20 °C / +50 °C
Operating Temperature
X-LOCK
Short- to mid-range autonomous interception of multiple threats. A multirotor effector for tracking and engaging swarms in real time, securing airspace in high-risk zones. AI terminal guidance under jamming.
4 kg
with battery, no payload
Multirotor
Propulsion system
AI
Terminal guidance
270 km/h
Maximum speed
15 km / 14 min
flight autonomy
−20 °C / +55 °C
Operating Temperature
Pixel Lock
Detect, track, and intercept moving targets in real time. Multi-sensor fusion and autonomous guidance for precise interception in GNSS-denied environments.
Pixel Lock is a software system that assists interceptor UAV pilots in detecting, tracking, and guiding toward aerial targets during Counter-UAS missions.
Pixel Lock can operate both as a visual aid, helping the pilot detect and identify targets and as an automatic guidance system, taking the aircraft commands in order to navigate toward a locked target.
Pixel Lock is a software system that assists interceptor UAV pilots in detecting, tracking, and guiding toward aerial targets during Counter-UAS missions.
Pixel Lock can operate both as a visual aid, helping the pilot detect and identify targets and as an automatic guidance system, taking the aircraft commands in order to navigate toward a locked target.
ISTAR & Mission Management
Gamma ISTAR
Real-time video intelligence on the edge for Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
Turns live drone, camera, and optronic feeds into actionable detections (tanks, IFVs, infantry) without internet — directly on the platform.
GAMMA Core is deployable on any infrastructure. It also exists as a standalone tactical ISR node on rugged hardware, GAMMA Box.
Turns live drone, camera, and optronic feeds into actionable detections (tanks, IFVs, infantry) without internet — directly on the platform.
GAMMA Core is deployable on any infrastructure. It also exists as a standalone tactical ISR node on rugged hardware, GAMMA Box.
Sovereign and continuous model retraining with the integrated MLOps platform GAMMA Ulixes.
headquartered in Paris with strategic offices in toulouse, Kyiv, Abu Dhabi, New York and Athens.
We are launching in Munich and London in 2026.
Our international teams collaborate to deliver AI and autonomous system technology, tailored to meet the evolving needs on the battlefield.
CAREERS
JOIN the team Shaping the Future of Defense Technology
Find our current job openings and join Alta Ares to work on cutting-edge AI, drone, and defense solutions with global impact.
LEARN MORE IN THE NEWS
September 15, 2025
Picogrid Partners with Alta Ares for NATO Air Defense
Picogrid and Alta Ares partnered to develop a scalable air defense solution against drones and glide bombs. The system integrates Picogrid’s Legion software with Alta Ares’ Gamma autonomous interceptor guidance. Tested in a NATO exercise, it offers a fast, cost-effective response to modern threats.
June 8, 2026
Alta Ares Raises €50M to Become a Leading European Player in Air Defense
This funding round, led by top-tier AI and defense investors, will enable Alta Ares to accelerate the development and deployment of its surface-to-air systems, which combine interceptors, data fusion software, and edge AI.
February 10, 2026
Alta Ares Successfully Tests High-Speed Turbojet Interceptor in Arctic Conditions with Estonian Armed Forces
Alta Ares, European leader in AI-powered counter-drone systems, has successfully completed a series of live demonstrations of its Black Bird interceptor drone in extreme arctic conditions, alongside the Estonian Defence Forces, local partners and battle-proven Ukrainian companies.
