Israeli startup Insignito has secured a defense contract to provide 180 acoustic unmanned aerial system (UAS) detection systems aimed at safeguarding high-security VIP locations. The rollout is scheduled to commence in January 2026 and will expand throughout the year until all systems reach full operational capability.
Each identified site will be equipped with six networked “Dumbo” sensors that collaborate to detect drones through sound triangulation, calculating both direction and distance based on noise levels. Insignito has successfully tested the technology in both Israel and the United States, demonstrating the ability to detect UAS from distances of up to 2,000 meters (approximately 6,562 feet) while maintaining accurate directional readings.
Founded in 2022 by former Israeli Air Force engineers, Insignito specializes in drone noise analysis and sound-based tracking technologies. The Tel Aviv-based company’s initiatives also include the development of quieter UAS propellers and a planning tool named Waveguide, which leverages acoustic data to optimize drone missions. Itay Nourian, the CEO of Insignito, emphasized the advantages of acoustic systems, stating, “They deliver superior performance at roughly one-tenth the cost of legacy approaches.” He noted a notable shift in the market towards an era dominated by acoustics and drones, and expressed the company’s commitment to facilitating this transition on a large scale.
Looking beyond its domestic market, Insignito has plans to expand into both the American and European defense sectors next year, driven by increasing demand from Israeli defense firms, military technology units, and international partners seeking cost-effective drone detection solutions. To support its growth plans, Insignito recently secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding from local venture Fresh Defense Fund and Colorado-based ICI Fund.
This month, the company is also scheduled to present its Dumbo platform at a tactical UAS convention in Tel Aviv, an event that will attract defense leaders and government officials eager to explore the latest advancements in drone and security technology.
