A vehicle equipped with this sensor can watch the sky without broadcasting its location
En París, en el salón Eurosatory, una empresa española de defensa presenta tecnologías que responden a una de las preguntas más urgentes del campo de batalla moderno: cómo detectar y neutralizar drones pequeños sin revelar la propia posición. Grupo Oesía, con raíces en sistemas ya probados en plataformas militares españolas, ofrece soluciones que no dependen de señales emitidas ni de tecnología sujeta a restricciones estadounidenses. En un momento en que Europa busca reducir su dependencia estratégica exterior, esta apuesta por la soberanía tecnológica refleja algo más profundo que una feria comercial: es un reposicionamiento en el mapa de la autonomía defensiva continental.
- Los drones FPV y guiados por cable representan una amenaza creciente para los vehículos terrestres, y los sistemas de detección por radiofrecuencia tradicionales no logran capturarlos con fiabilidad.
- Tecnobit ha desarrollado un sistema pasivo que observa el cielo en 360 grados sin emitir ninguna señal, heredando tecnología infrarroja ya validada en el Eurofighter y las fragatas F-110.
- El autopiloto Vector-300 de UAV Navigation está diseñado para perseguir objetivos aéreos de alta dinámica, mantener el rumbo sin GPS y distinguir amenazas en entornos operativos complejos.
- Oesía presenta además un procesador de enlace táctico Link 16, terminales satelitales portátiles, cifrado aprobado para entornos NATO y tecnología de baja observabilidad, conformando un ecosistema de defensa integral.
- La empresa apunta directamente a Alemania, Francia, Polonia y los países nórdicos, ofreciendo tecnología soberana libre de restricciones ITAR en un momento en que el gasto europeo en defensa se acelera.
En el salón Eurosatory de París, Grupo Oesía ha convertido su espacio en una declaración de intenciones. La empresa española, dirigida por Luis Furnells, ha reunido cinco divisiones especializadas para mostrar un conjunto de tecnologías orientadas a uno de los desafíos más concretos del combate contemporáneo: la amenaza de los drones pequeños y rápidos contra vehículos terrestres.
El producto más llamativo es un sistema de detección pasiva desarrollado por Tecnobit. A diferencia del radar convencional, no emite ninguna señal, lo que permite a un vehículo vigilar el espacio aéreo en todas las direcciones sin delatar su posición. La tecnología proviene del sistema IRST ya operativo en el Eurofighter y las fragatas F-110 de la Armada española. Una vez detectada una amenaza, el sistema puede activar contramedidas: inhibidores, estaciones de armas remotas o armas de energía dirigida.
La segunda gran apuesta es el autopiloto Vector-300, de la división UAV Navigation. Diseñado para municiones merodeadoras e interceptores antidrón, es capaz de perseguir objetivos aéreos de alta dinámica, navegar sin señal GPS mediante fusión de sensores y aplicar guiado por visión para identificar y discriminar amenazas en tiempo real.
Oesía completa su oferta con un procesador de enlace táctico Link 16 en modo no-comando —pensado para plataformas que necesitan interoperabilidad sin funciones de mando—, terminales satelitales portátiles, sistemas de cifrado compatibles con NATO y tecnología de reducción de firma radar a través de su división Micromag.
El hilo conductor de toda la propuesta es la soberanía: todas estas tecnologías son europeas y están libres de las restricciones de exportación estadounidenses conocidas como ITAR. En un continente que debate con urgencia su autonomía estratégica, Oesía se presenta como un proveedor capaz de cubrir desde la detección hasta la neutralización, apuntando a mercados como Alemania, Francia, Polonia y los países nórdicos y bálticos.
At the Eurosatory defense trade fair in Paris this week, a Spanish technology company is showing off a system that can spot drones without giving away its own position. Grupo Oesía, led by Luis Furnells, has brought five specialized divisions to the exhibition floor, but the centerpiece of their booth is a passive detection technology that addresses a growing military problem: how to defend ground vehicles against small, hard-to-track drones piloted by remote operators using first-person video feeds.
The system, developed by Tecnobit, one of Oesía's core brands, evolved from infrared search and track technology already proven on the Eurofighter jet and Spain's F-110 frigates. What makes it different from conventional radar is that it emits nothing. A vehicle equipped with this sensor can watch the sky in all directions without broadcasting its location to anyone listening. The system works in real time and can be paired with countermeasures—jamming equipment, remote weapon stations, or directed energy weapons—to actually neutralize a threat once detected. The challenge it solves is real: cable-guided drones and FPV systems are notoriously difficult for traditional radio-frequency detection to catch.
But detection alone is only half the problem. The other half is what to do about the threat once you see it. That's where Oesía's second major announcement comes in. Through its UAV Navigation division, the company has developed an autopilot system called the Vector-300, designed specifically for loitering munitions and counter-drone interceptors. This is not a commercial drone autopilot. It is built to chase fast-moving aerial targets, handle all phases of a flight profile from launch through pursuit and intercept, and adjust its trajectory in real time as the mission unfolds. The system can navigate even when GPS signals are jammed or unavailable, using advanced sensor fusion to maintain course. It can also integrate vision-based targeting and advanced target identification, which means it can distinguish between different threats and improve its chances of a successful intercept in complex operational environments.
The third product on display is a tactical data link processor called NextPro NonC2, also from Tecnobit. NATO forces rely on Link 16, a secure network that lets aircraft, helicopters, and ground units share real-time information. Most of these systems are designed for command platforms—units that control others. But many platforms, like helicopters or drones, don't have command functions. They just need to receive and transmit data. The NextPro solves that by implementing a non-command mode that lets these platforms stay interoperable without unnecessary overhead. The system can be deployed as certified hardware or as a software license, and Oesía has built a training simulator around it.
Oesía is also showcasing satellite communications, encryption, and cybersecurity products. Inster, another division, is displaying a portable tactical satellite terminal called FoldSat and an advanced prototype airborne antenna system called Corsario, both designed to maintain secure, high-bandwidth data links even in harsh climates and remote locations. Cipherbit is presenting encryption and cyber defense tools approved for the most demanding security environments, including NATO-compatible tactical encryption systems for voice and data. And Micromag, recently acquired by the group, is offering low-observable technology—stealth capabilities—with engineering services, simulation, and specialized coatings to help platforms reduce their radar signature.
The company's strategy is clear: position itself as an essential player in European defense autonomy. All of these technologies are designed and manufactured in Europe, free from U.S. export restrictions under ITAR regulations. That matters because European governments are increasingly concerned about strategic dependence on non-European suppliers. Oesía is targeting key markets—Germany, France, Poland, and the Nordic and Baltic regions—where geopolitical tensions have made defense spending a priority. The company is also looking to build partnerships with larger defense integrators and weapons manufacturers, betting that European armed forces will need exactly these kinds of capabilities as drone threats evolve and NATO operations become more complex.
Citações Notáveis
The system works in real time and can be paired with countermeasures—jamming equipment, remote weapon stations, or directed energy weapons—to actually neutralize a threat once detected.— Grupo Oesía description of Tecnobit's passive detection system
A Conversa do Hearth Outra perspectiva sobre a história
Why does a passive detection system matter so much more than just using radar to find drones?
Because radar broadcasts. The moment you turn it on, anyone with a receiver knows you're there. In a contested environment, that's a liability. A passive system watches without announcing itself.
But how does it actually see a drone if it's not sending out signals?
It detects the infrared signature—the heat the drone gives off. The technology comes from aircraft, where spotting another plane's engine heat from miles away is survival. Ground vehicles need the same principle.
And the Vector-300 autopilot—is that essentially a drone that hunts other drones?
More precisely, it's the brain that lets a loitering munition or interceptor chase a moving target autonomously. It doesn't need a human operator steering it in real time. It can adapt to what the target is doing.
What happens if GPS gets jammed?
That's the multisensor fusion piece. The system uses inertial navigation, vision, and other sensors to keep flying the right course even when satellite signals disappear. In a real conflict, that's not theoretical—it's essential.
Why is ITAR-free technology so important to European defense companies right now?
Because Europe wants to control its own supply chains. If you depend on American technology, you're subject to American export rules. Building sovereign capabilities means European countries can make their own decisions about where their weapons go and how they're used.
Is Oesía betting that European militaries will actually buy all this, or are they just showing up to be seen?
Both. But the timing matters. Geopolitical pressure is real. Countries like Poland and the Baltics are spending heavily on air defense. Germany and France are modernizing. Oesía is betting that European integrators will need these pieces to build complete systems.