Swarmer and PMC Blackwater founder launched private air defence company

Ukrainian-American defence tech developer Swarmer has become a founding partner of Vectus Air Defense Systems. The company, based in the US, will provide air defence services for critical infrastructure.

Swarmer has received a 20% stake in the company and will work with it on developing counter-drone technology. This includes swarm-based drone interception technology, according to the press release.

Vectus Air Defense Systems is headed by Erik Prince – founder of the private military company Blackwater, which was later renamed Academi. Vectus Air Defense Systems will develop and offer customers multi-layered air defence systems with a full service cycle.

Combat-proven technologies from the US, Ukraine, Israel and other allied countries are to be integrated into these systems. These include detection and electronic warfare assets, drone interceptors and large-calibre guns.

Erik Prince also holds the position of non-executive chairman of Swarmer’s board of directors. This became known ahead of the company’s IPO, which took place in spring 2026.