Massive Contract Aims to Revolutionize U.S. Army Surveillance with Drones

U.S. Army uniform with dog tags and American flag.

The US Army has awarded a $91 million contract for cutting-edge nano drones, signaling a major leap in battlefield surveillance technology.

At a Glance

  • US Army awards Teledyne FLIR Defense a $91 million contract for Black Hornet 4 nano drones
  • Contract spans five years, with initial $25 million order for equipment and training
  • Black Hornet 4 is part of the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) programme Phase II
  • Drones provide real-time video and imagery for improved battlefield awareness
  • Over 40 countries currently use Black Hornet systems in military operations

Army Invests in Advanced Nano Drone Technology

The US Army has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its battlefield surveillance capabilities by awarding Teledyne FLIR Defense a contract valued at up to $91 million for the Black Hornet 4 nano drones. This five-year production agreement marks a pivotal moment in the Army’s ongoing efforts to equip soldiers with cutting-edge reconnaissance tools.

The contract is part of the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) programme Phase II, which aims to provide troops with advanced surveillance equipment. An initial order of $25 million will cover the first batch of Black Hornet 4 drones, controllers, spare parts, and necessary training resources. Deliveries for these SBS Phase II orders began in September, highlighting the Army’s commitment to rapidly deploying this technology.

Black Hornet 4: A Game-Changer in Military Surveillance

The Black Hornet 4 represents a significant advancement in nano-drone technology. These pocket-sized drones are designed for portability and rapid deployment, providing soldiers with real-time video and imagery crucial for improved situational awareness on the battlefield. Equipped with a high-resolution Thermal Imager (TI) and an Electro Optical (EO) camera, the Black Hornet 4 is particularly effective in low-light conditions.

“The Army has awarded Teledyne FLIR a five-year production contract worth up to $91 million to deliver the new, fourth-generation version of its Black Hornet nano drone, the company said Tuesday.”

The US Army’s investment in these advanced drones builds upon its previous acquisition of Black Hornet 3 systems, which began in 2018 with orders exceeding $215 million. This consistent investment underscores the military’s recognition of the critical role these nano-drones play in modern warfare.

Global Adoption and Strategic Importance

The Black Hornet systems have gained significant traction globally, with over 40 countries incorporating them into their military operations. This widespread adoption speaks to the effectiveness and reliability of these nano-drones in various combat scenarios.

“provide soldiers with situational awareness more safely from a protected position” – Source

The Soldier Borne Sensor program, which includes the Black Hornet 4, offers substantial tactical advantages. According to the Army, it “provides units with near-real-time video, increased situational awareness and reduced risk of detection, while allowing units to detect personnel and targets.” This capability is crucial for squad and small unit surveillance and reconnaissance missions, potentially saving lives by reducing the need for direct exposure to dangerous situations.

In addition to the Black Hornet 4 contract, Teledyne FLIR Defense has also secured a $13.3 million contract from the US Department of Defense in 2023 to enhance the capabilities of the R80D SkyRaider UAS. This further demonstrates the company’s strong position in the military drone market and the Pentagon’s ongoing investment in unmanned aerial technology.

Sources:

  1. Army Taps Teledyne FLIR To Deliver Upgraded Black Hornet 4 Nano Drones
  2. Teledyne FLIR to supply Black Hornet 4 systems to US Army
  3. Army awards Teledyne $91M contract for personal reconnaissance drones

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