Destinus to Enhance Hypersonic Drones with AI-Powered Vision Through Daedalean Acquisition

The drone manufacturing startup Destinus is poised to acquire the Swiss firm Daedalean for 180 million Swiss francs (approximately $223 million). This acquisition aims to enhance the AI capabilities of both UAVs and hypersonic aircraft, as reported by Bloomberg.

Destinus specializes in a range of strike and reconnaissance drones, such as the Lord, Ruta, Hornet, and models D, E, and G, including hypersonic variants with AI piloting. These drones are being delivered to Ukraine in significant quantities.

Daedalean focuses on developing autopilot and aviation systems powered by machine learning and computer vision, operating without the reliance on satellites or GPS. The aim of their products is to reduce human involvement in flight operations.

Initially, the company concentrated on electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed for use as air taxis; however, commercializing this sector proved challenging.

The transaction is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.

This deal illustrates the increasing investment in the defense sector as European nations look to boost military budgets. There is a particular emphasis on UAVs and unmanned systems, which have become crucial in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to Bloomberg.

Several European drone startups, such as Helsing and Quantum Systems, have recently closed significant funding rounds.

In June, Destinus engaged with investors regarding funding at a valuation of €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion).

Mikhail Kokorich, the founder and CEO of the company, remarked that Daedalean will assist in operating his firm’s weapon systems independently of satellite navigation, a notable advantage given Russia’s advancements in electronic warfare, as highlighted by the agency.

Kokorich emphasized that the two companies had previously partnered, and their technologies will now be adapted for both military and civilian applications.

«It has become clear to all parties that an official merger is the logical next step,» he stated.

In July, it was reported that the Pentagon awarded a contract worth $50 million to the Swiss company Auterion for supplying Ukraine with 33,000 AI-equipped «strike kits» for drones.