Estonian-Ukrainian defense-tech company DOD Solution raised $2.1 million in a pre-seed round on September 28 to scale its AURA AI onboard autonomy platform. The company is betting on a universal “brain” that can be installed on various unmanned platforms and operate even when GPS and communications are lost.
As became known after the round closed, investors include funds from Ukraine, Europe, and the United States. Canadian company Draganfly became a strategic investor.
AURA AI combines the AURA SBC onboard computer and AURA OS software. The system handles computer vision, GPS-denied navigation, target recognition and tracking, as well as terminal guidance.
By the developers’ design, a significant portion of these functions are performed directly onboard, making the drone less dependent on external communications. The company states that its technology has already been used in combat conditions in Ukraine.
DOD Solution is effectively building an “autonomy layer” for third-party platforms. AURA is designed for integration with FPV drones, interceptors, and unmanned aircraft. As the company states, this collaboration model benefits UAV manufacturers by allowing them to avoid building their own onboard AI development team and instead integrate a ready-made system.
The company is already building a technology stack around AURA. In July 2026, it reached an agreement with American company Lantronix to use the Qualcomm-based Open-Q 6490CS for FPV, fixed-wing UAVs, and interceptors. In August, DOD Solution announced the integration of the Axelera AI Metis M.2 accelerator, with high-speed interceptors among the first application areas. Another focus area is counter-drone operations. DOD Solution is partnering with Estonian company DefSecIntel Solutions, combining AURA AI with UAV detection and interception systems.
The company plans to direct the raised funds toward serial production of the next-generation AURA SBC, development of AURA OS, and integration of the platform with a greater number of drone manufacturers. The next generation of the computer is also being developed with an eye toward large-scale production and NDAA compliance for entry into the North American market.
DOD Solution was founded in 2023 and positions itself as an Estonian-Ukrainian DefenceTech company specializing in onboard computing and autonomy for unmanned systems. In 2025–2026, DOD Solution began actively expanding international partnerships, including with the United States, Germany, and other European companies. Its partners include manufacturers of computing components, counter-drone systems, and unmanned platforms.
