It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Nordic Air Defence: Making Europe Offensive

7 April 2026

Summary:

Colin Brown and Martti Wallin dive deep with Jens Holzapfel of Nordic Air Defence, a startup developing counter-UAS solutions.

This Protect Europe Podcast episode delves into defence technology, market positioning, and the future of drone warfare and cybersecurity.

TAKEAWAYS:

Introduction to Nordic Air Defense
The Kruger Interceptor: Innovation in Defense Technology
Market Demand and Ideal Customers
Legislation and Authority in Counter-Drone Technology
Future Developments in Counter-UAS Systems
Differentiation in a Crowded Market
Production Challenges and Solutions
Investor Interest in Defense Tech
Long-Term Ownership Models in Defense
Building a Relay Race for Defence Investments
The Role of Government in Defence Innovation
Cybersecurity: Europe’s Vulnerabilities and Responses
The Ethical Dilemma of Defence Investments

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Anatra: When Drones Carry the War Effort

17 March 2026

Summary:

In this Protect Europe Podcast (PEP), Colin Brown interviews Kevin King, CEO of Anatra, about the innovative use of cargo UAVs in logistics and warfare. They discuss the importance of logistics in modern warfare, the technology behind UAVs, and the potential for humanitarian aid. Kevin shares insights on market strategy, funding, and the challenges of building a startup in the aerospace sector. The conversation highlights the impact of climate change on logistics and the need for effective solutions in crisis situations.

TAKEAWAYS:

Logistics are crucial for success in warfare.
Work out what your customer needs and then understand how you can deliver it for them reliably in a warzone.
Drones can revolutionize supply chain logistics.
There is a significant gap in middle-mile logistics.
Cargo UAVs can operate in low-infrastructure areas.
The technology behind UAVs is evolving rapidly.
Humanitarian aid can be delivered more efficiently with drones.
Climate change is increasing the need for rapid logistics solutions.

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Keeping drones in the air 24/7

20 January 2026

Summary:

In this conversation, Rob Creighton, founder and CEO of Windlift, discusses the innovative technology behind tethered drones designed for various applications, particularly in enhancing surveillance for global shipping. He explains the challenges faced in maritime security, especially in high-risk areas like the Red Sea, and how Windlift’s solutions can provide significant advantages in terms of safety and efficiency. The discussion also covers the business model, partnerships, and future plans for the company, emphasizing the importance of algorithmic design and optimization in drone technology.

TAKEAWAYS:

Windlift focuses on tethered drones for various mission requirements.
The company aims to provide reliable solutions for harsh environments.
Tethered drones can generate lift from wind, reducing energy consumption.
High ground advantage is crucial for surveillance and security.
The Red Sea is a significant bottleneck for global shipping.
Windlift’s technology can enhance situational awareness for ships.
The company offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional surveillance methods.
Algorithmic design is key to optimizing drone performance.
Data collection from drone failures aids in improving technology.
Windlift is exploring international markets and partnerships for growth.

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Product Market Fit (PMF) for the warfighter

16 January 2026

Summary

In this podcast episode, Colin Brown interviews Rasmus Basilier, a prominent figure in the defense technology space. Rasmus shares his journey from a childhood dream of becoming a soldier to his current role in defense accelerators and technology validation. The conversation explores the evolving defense ecosystem in Europe, the impact of the Ukraine war on military strategies, and the challenges of procurement in the defense sector. Rasmus emphasizes the importance of validation and testing for defense technologies, the role of logistics and economics in warfare, and the current investment landscape in defense startups. He also highlights innovative companies making strides in the defense space and concludes with thoughts on the future of defense technology and national security.

TAKEAWAYS:

Rasmus has a lifelong passion for defense and military.
NATO Diana provides crucial support for defense startups.
The Ukraine war has shifted military strategies in Europe.
Validation in real military environments is essential for tech.
Logistics and economics play a critical role in warfare.
There is a significant influx of investment in defense tech.
Patriotic capital is rising in response to security needs.
Innovative companies are emerging in the defense sector.
Procurement processes are evolving in Finland and Europe.
Collaboration between startups and military is vital for success.

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Delivering “Special Forces” Equipment for the entire Ukrainian Army!

16 January 2026

Summary

In this conversation, Colin Brown interviews Misha Rudominski, co-founder of Himera, a company focused on developing advanced communication solutions for modern warfare. Misha discusses the challenges faced in battlefield communication, the innovative solutions Himera is creating, and the importance of adaptability in a war zone. The conversation also touches on the evolving narrative of Ukraine’s defence efforts and the recognition of other innovators in the defence tech space.

TAKEAWAYS:

Himera focuses on scalable and resilient communication solutions for modern warfare.
Current battlefield communication systems are often complicated and not user-friendly.
The company aims to create affordable solutions for all levels of military forces.
Himera’s products are designed to work in harsh environments where traditional systems fail.
The company has over 7,000 users, primarily within the Ukrainian Defence Forces.
Supply chain management in Ukraine requires careful planning and diverse sourcing.
The narrative of Ukraine’s defense is shifting towards self-sufficiency and innovation.
Misha highlights the importance of user feedback in product development.
The conversation emphasizes the growing strength of Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Can This Tech Fix the Military’s Biggest Weakness?

1 October 2025

In this episode of the Protect Europe Podcast (PEP), Colin Brown talks with Henry Härm and Oliver Tiit two of the co-founders of Wayren, a company focused on providing reliable communication solutions for defense forces.

They discuss Wayren’s vision for the future, the founders’ military backgrounds, current operational challenges, and the importance of reliable communication in modern warfare. The conversation delves into the technical aspects of communication protocols, the impact of packet loss, and the role of hardware in their solutions.

The Founders highlight the feedback from military exercises, the role of strategic partnerships, and the challenges of military procurement.

TAKEAWAYS:

Wayren aims to revolutionize communication in the defense forces.
Reliable communication is essential for effective military operations.
The founders’ military experience informs their product development.
Current operations focus on scaling sales and production readiness.
De-centralized communication systems enhance resilience in the field.
Packet loss significantly impacts communication effectiveness.
Innovative protocols are needed to handle high packet loss rates.
Hardware plays a crucial role in ensuring practical usability.
Feedback from military exercises highlights the system’s reliability.
Strategic partnerships can enhance sales channels and market reach.

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Why Defense Tech needs to see clearer

30 September 2025

In this episode of the Protect Europe Podcast (PEP), Colin & Vesa talk with Urho Konttori, serial founder and now CEO of Distance Technologies one of the leading defense companies in Europe.

TAKEAWAYS:

The vision for Distance Technologies includes a coherent operating system for defense across Europe.
Execution on both civilian and defense markets is crucial for success.
Ethical considerations are paramount when engaging in defense technology.
Public opinion in Finland has shifted significantly towards defense post-Ukraine invasion.
Capital funding for hardware startups in Europe remains challenging but is improving.
The defense sector needs to move from hibernation to active engagement.
Collaboration with defense primes is essential for market validation.
The startup ecosystem in Europe is evolving, with more interest in hardware.
Investing in satellite companies is critical for European sovereignty.
European founders may prioritize quality of life over continuous entrepreneurship.