Spotlight Q&A With Bill Ostrowski, President and CEO of MyDefence North America

Bill Ostrowski served 26 years in the US Army, including assignments as a warrant officer with US Army Special Forces. Since retiring from active duty in 2008, he has worked at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab and Draper Lab, as well as companies such as FLIR Systems and L3Harris Technologies, where he was Director, Spectral Solutions. In 2020, he was named President and CEO of ELTA North America. He served in the same role at Klas Government, Inc. (now part of Anduril) before joining MyDefence in May 2025.

JED: When was MyDefence started, and what ideas drove the founders to start the company?

Ostrowski: MyDefence began in 2009 when a conversation with a wounded soldier revealed the need for better protection against wireless-controlled threats on the battlefield. That moment formed the backbone of our C-UAS technologies, which were finalized in 2013. As drone threats grew, we shifted from counter-IED innovation to becoming a leader in soldier-borne counter-drone capabilities. The increasing demand from US military and security operators has significantly shaped our direction. In 2025, we opened a US production facility and research and development department to strengthen supply chain resilience and accelerate development for American customers. Today, our expanding US team continues to advance next-generation C-UAS technologies, rooted in real operational feedback from the US Army.

JED: Can you tell me a little bit about your C-UAS solutions and how they have evolved over the years?

Ostrowski: Drone threats have become more sophisticated: extending their range, increasing autonomy, and introducing coordinated swarm tactics. Because of this, we have advanced our technology accordingly. Our systems have grown in power, coverage, and intelligence, now integrating advanced sensor fusion, modular architectures, and mission-tailored effects that enable users to adapt quickly across diverse operational environments.

A major driver behind this evolution is our US R&D department, which accelerates development cycles and enables us to deliver upgrades rapidly to American end-users. This capability enables us to push software updates faster than ever and continuously enhance performance in the field.

At the core, every step of this progression reflects a consistent mission: staying ahead of emerging UAS threats and protecting the people who depend on our technology.

JED: How have real-world events – from the Russo-Ukrainian War to more recent drone incursions over European airports – shaped your company’s product development and your approach to the market?

Ostrowski: The Russo-Ukrainian War showed how rapidly commercial drones can be weaponized, while incursions over European airports demonstrated that these threats could disrupt civilian infrastructure instantly. When several airports were forced to shut down, we were ready. We produced stock and were able to support multiple airports the moment we were called upon. Our hardware remains consistent, but our capabilities continually evolve through software updates. We update our systems to detect, classify, and jam new drone types the moment they appear. Speed and immediate readiness are fundamental requirements in counter-UAS operations, reinforcing our commitment to modular architectures and US-based production that enable rapid response and close alignment with end-user needs.

JED: MyDefence has provided a full-scale counter-drone system at HCA Airport in Odense, Denmark. What types of sensors and effectors does this system provide, and what lessons are you learning from this customer?

Ostrowski: At HCA Airport and at other airports, we are deploying a full-spectrum counter-UAS system that combines RF detection and other systems, including radar, acoustic sensors, and optical/thermal cameras, to deliver complete situational awareness across the airport’s airspace. Our RF effectors are designed to safely disrupt unauthorized drones without interfering with airport operations.

Operating in such a dense electromagnetic and safety-critical environment has provided valuable insights into optimizing sensor fusion and minimizing false positives. This deployment continues to refine our ability to deliver airport-safe, scalable protection that works seamlessly within civilian aviation environments.

JED: Has MyDefence worked with any industry or government partners to bring new counter-drone systems to the market?

Ostrowski: Partnerships are a core part of how we bring new counter-drone capabilities to market, and we collaborate with technology providers, defense integrators, and military units globally. These partnerships help us to leverage our complementary strengths. We identify potential partners by looking for organizations with proven innovation speed and technologies that extend or enhance our own, along with frontline insights. When those elements come together, we can move faster, field better solutions, and meet customer needs with greater precision.

JED: Based on your experience in providing counter-drone solutions, where do you want to position your company for future opportunities over the next few years?

Ostrowski: Our focus for the coming years is to push the boundaries of counter-UAS technology, advancing lighter, smarter, and more autonomous protective systems. As drone threats become more autonomous, networked, and advanced, we are investing heavily in AI, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and distributed protection architectures. We aim to strengthen our position as a global leader in mission-ready C-UAS systems, supported by rapid software-driven upgrades and an expanding US production footprint. Any expansion we pursue will build on the same foundation: delivering reliable, operationally proven protection to those who protect our societies.