Advanced Protection Systems (APS) – Strategic-Technological Analysis
Advanced Protection Systems (APS) is a Polish high-technology company that has emerged as a pivotal European player in counter-drone defense. Headquartered in Gdynia on the Baltic coast, APS began in the civilian market and then expanded into the defense sector by leveraging its home-grown radar and jamming innovations. The company’s signature SKYctrl anti-drone system and FIELDctrl 3D radars have protected airports, power plants, seaports and even high-profile events from rogue drones. APS’s rise underscores the European Union’s drive for strategic autonomy: it offers an EU-made alternative in a field often dominated by foreign suppliers. Battle-tested during NATO exercises and reportedly utilized to safeguard Ukrainian skies, APS exemplifies how a science-driven startup can evolve into a critical defense partner. Its story of combining academic research with industrial pragmatism makes APS a fascinating case of dual-use innovation at Europe’s frontiers.