Vandaris Defense Systems

Technical founders building flight hardware, not slides.

Vandaris is an early-stage defense startup in Ithaca, NY—building autonomous kinetic strike platforms for counter-UAS and anti-armor missions, with the velocity investors expect from software companies and the rigor the mission demands.

Founder DNA

We came out of hard engineering—autonomous systems, aerodynamics, CFD, and flight test—not consulting or policy. We believe the winning cost-asymmetric strike company will be built by people who ship airframes weekly.

That’s the culture we’re building: small team, full-stack ownership, decisions made from flight data.

How we build

Integrated product development—airframe, propulsion, avionics, and software as one system. Simulation and CFD reduce risk before metal and carbon fly; flight test remains the final authority.

We prototype aggressively to learn fast, then industrialize materials and processes for fieldable, supportable hardware.

Near-term objectives

Prove closed-loop autonomous terminal engagement—air and surface targets—in relevant flight envelopes, then mature reliability and manufacturing for fielding at scale.

For investors, accelerators, or design partners—send background and what you’re exploring:

angus@vandarisdefense.com