LUGN Security makes Limburg safer with security drones
LUGN Security B.V., a young and innovative company based in Heerlen, helps security companies robotise their services. Instead of exclusively deploying security guards with cars, LUGN remotely controls security drones. In October 2025, LUGN entered into a strategic partnership with the control room of Intergarde, a large security company based in Maastricht, to make the whole of Limburg safer with these security drones.
From left to right: Dirk Bekke (Lugn), Marc Roemen (Intergarde), Ryan Harenczyk (LIOF), Joost van den Boorn (Intergarde) and Alex Hermans (Lugn).
Strategic partnership with Intergarde
LUGN Security B.V., founded by Alex Hermans (known from Nimo Dog Security) and Dirk Bekke (former robotics professor at Saxion), offers a unique combination of technology, licences and operational services. "We look at the safety of the airspace, Intergarde looks at safety from the airspace," says Alex Hermans. "This combination allows incidents to be assessed much more quickly and companies to be better protected."
Much faster response time
Drones automatically track incidents, enabling surveillance vehicles to respond much more quickly and arrive on the scene sooner. What used to take 30 minutes now takes only about 3 minutes. The drone systems are patented. Thanks to the unique, generic BVLOS licence, they can be remotely controlled in all enclosed industrial areas throughout the United Kingdom, even out of the pilot's sight.
Robotisation empowers humans
Alex explains: "Automation has been commonplace in industry for over a hundred years. In security, however, it is still virtually non-existent, despite significant staff shortages. These shortages cannot be resolved by employing more people, but by making the existing workforce more effective. Drones are a logical step in this direction."
Fully remote-controlled
The drones are stationed in docking stations on or next to large industrial sites. They are remotely controlled from the LUGN Control Centre in Heerlen in full compliance with strict aviation regulations. In the event of an incident, the drone takes off automatically and flies directly to the location. The live images are sent to the control room, where an operator can assess the situation.
LIOF as financier and network partner
LIOF stepped in as a financier via the Seed Fund Limburg (SFL) and as a network partner for the development of this innovative service.
Ryan Harenczyk, investment manager at LIOF: "Since LIOF became a shareholder in early 2024, LUGN has quickly validated its business model with existing and new customers. During pilot projects, the service has been refined and it has been demonstrated that LUGN is both more efficient and cheaper than traditional security on large sites. With its unique BVLOS licence and its partnership with Intergarde as its first affiliated control room, LUGN can now scale up quickly, including to other control rooms.”
“With its unique BVLOS licence and collaboration with Intergarde as its first affiliated control room, LUGN can now scale up quickly.” - Ryan Harenczyk.
Alex emphasises the importance of LIOF: "They not only help us with financing, but also with strategic choices and the network needed for growth. That combination is very valuable to us."
From pilot to upscaling
In recent years, the work has consisted of intensive pilot projects with, among others, the Dutch Railways (NS), industrial partners and the Ministry of Defence. Alex: "We are initially focusing on private security for large sites, such as container terminals, marshalling yards and event locations. Collaboration with the Ministry of Defence remains a challenging process, but it is important."
According to Alex, innovation is not just about technology. "You also need innovation in legislation and in the market. Getting chain partners, from the government to security companies and control rooms, on board takes time, patience and perseverance."
Drone-as-a-service: more time for people
The core of LUGN remains: people first, supported by technology. Alex: "Initially, we thought that the security guard would operate the drone. In practice, it turned out to be more logical to provide the control room operator with drone images. This is how our drone-as-a-service model came about. The security company remains in the lead vis-à-vis the customer, while we take care of everything related to drone control, technology and permits."
Major role for the region
LUGN sees plenty of opportunities for the future, particularly in the region. “How wonderful would it be if Limburg, Heerlen and Maastricht developed into an international drone hub? A place where flying within, around and across borders is organised and licensed collectively. However, this would require the region to take on a coordinating role,” concludes Alex.
Want to know more?
Want more information or to know how LIOF can help your company move forward? Feel free to contact us!
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