Pune Startup Pioneers Silent Defense Shield Against Rising Drone Threats
In an era where drone warfare is escalating, a Pune-based startup, Olee.pace, is developing a groundbreaking defense solution: a directed-energy weapon (DEW) that functions as an AI-powered laser sniper. This innovative technology aims to neutralize incoming threats with the simple press of a button, offering a silent and cost-effective alternative to traditional kinetic weapons.
Zero Cost Per Kill: A Game-Changer in Modern Warfare
James Solomon, co-founder of Olee.space, poses a critical question: "What would you do if you were a commander facing an attack by 100 swarming enemy drones?" The answer, he asserts, lies in automation rather than risking human lives. The company's DEW system is designed to address this very scenario, eliminating targets without launching bullets or missiles into the sky. "It is zero cost per kill," Solomon emphasizes, highlighting that while a missile might cost $150,000 to neutralize the same target, this laser-based approach incurs minimal operational expenses.
Solomon notes that drones have evolved from negligible threats five years ago to significant hazards today, necessitating advanced defense mechanisms. "It's machine-to-machine warfare out there now, and India was not prepared. That's where we have come in," he states, underscoring the startup's mission to secure armed forces with cutting-edge technology.
Harnessing Laser Technology for Secure Communications
Beyond the DEW, Olee.space has leveraged photonics to develop its first product: the FSOC-Laser Communications device. This portable, laptop-sized equipment addresses vulnerabilities in traditional communication systems. Solomon explains that fiber optic cables are susceptible to bombing, while radio frequencies are prone to jamming and interception. "Your GPS is jammed, your radio frequencies are jammed. Everything is intercepted," he warns. In contrast, the laser-based device operates on solar power, offering a secure alternative that resists eavesdropping, jamming, and spoofing.
Indigenous Innovation and Future Prospects
Founded in 2023, Olee.space boasts that 85% of the content in its equipment is indigenous, primarily manufactured in Pune with support from local companies. Solomon attributes this achievement to a "country first" ethos and collaboration with defense establishments, including testing at the Southern Command.
The startup is already working on a third product in a different sector, slated for launch in approximately four months. Solomon describes it as a high-focus segment with commercial potential previously unseen outside research and development. He credits the rapid product development to extensive R&D spanning four to five years, fueled by strategic investments. "Investors who might turn up must know this," he advises, emphasizing the long-term groundwork required for such innovations.
As drone warfare continues to reshape global defense strategies, Olee.space's AI-powered laser shield represents a significant step forward in India's technological preparedness, blending indigenous expertise with silent, efficient protection.
