Swedish Drone Maker Airolit Accelerates Growth with Crucial Export Loan Guarantee

Airolit, a Mölndal-based Swedish drone manufacturer, is experiencing rapid growth driven by rising demand for advanced drone systems in the defense sector. Founded in 2017, the company specializes in drone technology tailored for harsh Nordic and Arctic environments, serving purposes such as radar reconnaissance and mobile mast operations. This unique expertise positions Airolit to meet the challenging operational requirements of its customers.

To sustain its expansion, Airolit secured a significant loan from SEB bank, enabled by the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN), which covered 75% of the bank’s lending risk. This guarantee was pivotal in overcoming traditional financing barriers, as Airolit’s early-stage status and lack of historical profitability initially limited its access to bank funding. CEO Claes Kjölhede highlighted that with the support from EKN, Airolit can maintain high service levels, develop product offerings, and invest in increased production capacity.

The company aims to broaden its market presence particularly within Europe and NATO member countries over the next five years, leveraging increased working capital to drive international growth. This strategic vision aligns with globally rising defense budgets, which fuel demand for sophisticated unmanned aerial systems capable of operating in extreme conditions.

The partnership with the Export Credit Agency underscores the importance of public-sector backing in enabling Swedish high-tech manufacturers to scale competitively in global defense markets. Airolit’s growth trajectory signifies the rising role of Nordic drone technology in defense applications and export potential.

Currently, Airolit is focused on enhancing production ability and expanding its customer base beyond traditional Nordic clients, aiming to capture the growing market across Europe’s NATO members, thus reinforcing Sweden’s position in cutting-edge drone manufacturing.