Polish Defense Startup ARES Shield AI Seeks €2.26M to Develop Microwave Satellite Protection System

Polish defense technology startup ARES Shield AI has launched a public share offering seeking to raise up to €2.26 million to accelerate the development of a high-power microwave system designed to protect satellites and orbital infrastructure from hostile threats.

The Wrocław-based company announced the offering on October 27, 2026, with subscriptions opening on October 28 and closing on November 10.

ARES Shield AI plans to issue up to 125,000 new Series F shares at PLN 79.50 each, potentially raising PLN 9.94 million. The company is targeting a listing on Poland's NewConnect stock market in the first quarter of 2027.

The offering follows an October investment round exceeding PLN 6.5 million, backed by Polish venture capital fund iif.vc and co-investors.

Developing Microwave Technology for Satellite Defense

ARES Shield AI is developing a defense platform combining high-power microwave (HPM) technology, artificial intelligence and multisensor data processing.

The proposed system is intended to detect and classify potential threats to satellites, including objects approaching protected orbital infrastructure, and respond using directed electromagnetic energy.

Rather than physically destroying an incoming threat, HPM technology is designed to disrupt or disable electronic systems through concentrated microwave emissions.

The company is developing gallium nitride (GaN)-based electronics for its space protection technology.

Its longer-term concept includes modules integrated directly into customers' satellites and independent orbital nodes capable of operating as part of a connected defensive network.

ARES Shield AI also plans to apply related technologies to terrestrial counter-drone systems and critical infrastructure protection.

However, the orbital protection system remains under development. The company has not demonstrated an operational satellite defense capability in orbit.

€2.26 Million Offering to Finance Demonstrator and Engineering Team

ARES Shield AI plans to allocate approximately PLN 4.3 million from the offering to the development of its HPM technology demonstrator.

The objective is to reach Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6), demonstrating a prototype under conditions relevant to its intended application.

Another PLN 3.7 million is earmarked for expanding and financing the company's research and development team, while the remaining funds will support operational and promotional activities.

The company previously reported reaching TRL 4 in July 2026, indicating laboratory-level validation of key technology components.

The planned financing therefore represents an intermediate development stage rather than the completion of a commercially deployable orbital defense product.

At the offering price, ARES Shield AI has an indicated pre-money valuation of approximately PLN 112.5 million, rising to around PLN 122.5 million if all new shares are subscribed.

The startup has raised approximately PLN 9 million through earlier financing rounds.

Founded by Former SatRev Executive Grzegorz Zwoliński

ARES Shield AI is led by Grzegorz Zwoliński, an entrepreneur previously involved in founding Polish satellite manufacturer SatRevolution, later known as SatRev.

His background includes satellite development and commercial space projects, experience that the company is now applying to defense technology.

The management team also includes Chief Operating Officer Jakub Wolff and AI Team Lead Damian Fijałkowski.

The company's transition into active orbital protection reflects a broader development in Poland's space industry, where businesses are increasingly pursuing military and dual-use applications alongside conventional satellite manufacturing.

As AdriaDefense reported earlier this month, Polish manufacturer Creotech Instruments is planning a major expansion of its satellite production capacity by 2029.

While Creotech focuses on manufacturing satellites and supporting space missions, ARES Shield AI is attempting to establish a position in the emerging market for protecting orbital assets.

American Contract Provides Potential Commercial Opportunity

ARES Shield AI has also announced an agreement with US-based Lonestar Data Holdings valued at approximately PLN 22 million.

The agreement, disclosed in August 2026, concerns the development of protective technologies for the American company's planned space infrastructure.

The initial phase is intended to cover protection systems for three satellites, with equipment deliveries reportedly planned for 2028–2029.

The announced contract value should not be confused with revenue already generated. Delivery remains dependent on further technology development, testing and successful implementation.

According to financial information reported alongside the new offering, ARES Shield AI generated no revenue in 2025 and recorded a net loss of approximately PLN 155,000.

That makes the upcoming development milestones particularly important for assessing the company's ability to turn its technology into commercial products.

Poland's Military Space Industry Continues to Expand

ARES Shield AI's fundraising comes as Poland increases investment in sovereign military space capabilities.

In September, AdriaDefense reported that PGZ and ICEYE were advancing a Polish military satellite communications concept, with development work envisaged through 2030.

The initiative is separate from ARES Shield AI's technology, but illustrates the growing importance of space infrastructure within Poland's defense planning.

For ARES Shield AI, the immediate priorities are securing financing, advancing the HPM demonstrator and expanding its engineering capacity.

Its longer-term commercial prospects will depend on proving that a compact microwave system can operate reliably within the power, thermal and technical constraints of space.

The company has outlined an ambitious approach to active satellite protection, but successful orbital deployment and the effectiveness of its proposed defensive system remain to be demonstrated.

Sources: ARES Shield AI; public offering information reported by Puls Biznesu and My Company Polska, October 27, 2026; ARES Shield AI corporate disclosures.