ELT Group Unveils KARMA: A Smart, Silent, and Scalable Counter-Drone System for Modern Threats

In a world where drones are increasingly used not just for surveillance but also for attacks, both militaries and civilian authorities are in need of smarter, faster, and more flexible defence systems. Rising to this challenge, Italian defence technology firm ELT Group has introduced a new cutting-edge system called KARMA, short for Kinetic Anti-drone Mobile Asset. This next-generation solution is designed to detect, identify, and neutralise hostile drones using artificial intelligence—all without relying on traditional radar.

KARMA is not ELT’s first venture into the counter-drone space. The company has been active in this field since 2015, when it launched its earlier system, Adrian. While Adrian made significant contributions to drone defence, KARMA brings the concept into a new era with major technological upgrades, especially considering the more complex threats seen in today’s geopolitical environment.

What sets KARMA apart is its radarless and silent operating mode. Instead of broadcasting signals that can be detected or jammed, it quietly scans the skies using infrared sensors combined with powerful AI algorithms. This makes it incredibly stealthy—ideal for missions where discretion is essential or where radar use is restricted or vulnerable.

At the heart of KARMA is a 360° infrared surveillance system known as Track While Scan, which constantly monitors the airspace in all directions. The real magic, however, lies in its Human Machine Interface (HMI), a smart AI-powered platform that assists operators in identifying and classifying aerial threats with precision and speed. This interface gives users a full and real-time picture of the local airspace, improving decision-making under pressure.

KARMA is also equipped with a Radio Frequency (RF) sensor that can detect and analyse the communication protocols used by drones. This allows the system to not only identify drones but also understand how they operate, which is key to stopping them effectively. A jammer module is built in to block drone signals and take down hostile drones if needed. What’s more, the system can handle multiple threats at once, making it ideal for complex operational environments like critical infrastructure protection, battlefield scenarios, or urban security missions.

One of KARMA’s greatest strengths is its modularity and scalability. It can be used as a fixed system guarding a sensitive location or mounted on vehicles for mobile operations. It can also be integrated into larger air defence networks, allowing it to share data with Fire Control Systems that support hard-kill options—like physically destroying an incoming drone.

With both military and civil protection in mind, KARMA is a forward-looking solution for countries and organisations dealing with the rising threat of drones. Whether it's guarding borders, securing airports, or protecting military convoys, KARMA provides a flexible, AI-powered shield in the sky.

ELT Group’s latest innovation reflects the growing importance of autonomous and intelligent defence systems in a rapidly evolving threat landscape, where speed, stealth, and adaptability are more crucial than ever.