Teledyne FLIR Secures $17.5M Deal to Supply Advanced Black Hornet Nano-Drones to Swiss Military

UnluckyMiner · 2026-02-17T14:03:04+00:00

Teledyne FLIR Defense won a $17.5 million contract to supply Black Hornet 4 mini-drones to armasuisse for enhanced Swiss reconnaissance. The compact UAVs improve real-time surveillance capabilities, especially in challenging conditions.

UnluckyMiner

2026-02-17 14:03:04

Abstract generation in progress

Teledyne FLIR Defense, a division of Teledyne Technologies Inc., has recently won a significant $17.5 million defense contract from armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Defence Procurement. The agreement centers on supplying a substantial quantity of Black Hornet 4 personal reconnaissance systems—cutting-edge miniature unmanned aerial vehicles designed for tactical field operations. This procurement represents a strategic investment in advanced reconnaissance capabilities for Switzerland’s defense modernization efforts.

Swiss Military Adopts Black Hornet 4 for Enhanced Reconnaissance Operations

The Black Hornet 4 has been selected as the primary airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform for armasuisse’s Piranha 8x8 armored engineering vehicle program. This integration reflects the growing demand for ultra-compact aerial systems that can operate seamlessly in challenging battlefield environments. Small tactical units will gain the ability to conduct real-time covert surveillance and situational awareness with significantly enhanced precision and reliability.

Exceptional Performance in a Pocket-Sized Package

Weighing just 70 grams, the Black Hornet 4 delivers impressive operational capabilities despite its compact form factor. The system can maintain sustained flight for over 30 minutes while covering distances exceeding three kilometers, enabling extended reconnaissance missions across contested areas. A defining advantage lies in its ability to function in GPS-denied environments and harsh weather conditions—including winds up to 25 knots and rainfall—making it invaluable for military operations in unpredictable terrain. These specifications position the hornet-class drone as a game-changer for modern defense forces seeking agile, resilient surveillance solutions.

The successful contract award underscores Teledyne FLIR’s dominant position in the nano-drone market and reflects increasing international confidence in the Black Hornet platform for next-generation military reconnaissance needs.

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