Teledyne FLIR Bags $17.5M Contract to Supply Black Hornet 4 Nano Reconnaissance Systems

Teledyne FLIR Defense, a division of Teledyne Technologies Inc., has successfully bagged a substantial $17.5 million contract from armasuisse, Switzerland’s federal defense procurement authority. The agreement represents a significant milestone in supplying advanced Black Hornet 4 personal reconnaissance systems to enhance Swiss military capabilities. These cutting-edge nano-drones have been specifically selected as the airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sensor for armasuisse’s Piranha 8x8 armored engineering vehicle program.

Black Hornet 4 - Next-Generation Nano-Drone for Modern Warfare

The Black Hornet 4 represents a breakthrough in nano-drone technology, engineered to deliver superior situational awareness in challenging operational environments. Weighing just 70 grams—light enough to fit in a soldier’s hand—these reconnaissance systems are designed to provide covert day and night surveillance capabilities to small combat units. The nano architecture enables unprecedented tactical flexibility without compromising performance or reliability. Each unit can execute extended surveillance missions lasting over 30 minutes while covering distances exceeding three kilometers, operating reliably even in adverse weather conditions including 25-knot winds and rainfall.

Advanced Capabilities in Contested and GPS-Denied Environments

What distinguishes the Black Hornet 4 nano systems is their exceptional resilience in contested operational settings where GPS signals are unreliable or actively jammed. This capability is critical for modern military applications where conventional drone guidance systems may fail. The nano-drone’s ability to maintain stable flight and precise navigation without relying on GPS infrastructure makes it invaluable for frontline reconnaissance teams operating in complex tactical scenarios. The system’s compact size and lightweight design enable rapid deployment by individual soldiers without additional logistical support.

Integration with Piranha 8x8 Strategic Platform

The integration of Black Hornet 4 nano-drones into the Piranha 8x8 armored platform creates a comprehensive intelligence-gathering ecosystem for Swiss military operations. This combination enables armored units to extend their reconnaissance reach far beyond traditional line-of-sight limitations. The synergy between the heavily armored Piranha vehicle and the agile nano-drone systems provides commanders with both protective firepower and advanced intelligence capabilities, establishing a new standard for modern defense procurement in the Swiss armed forces.