The U.S. Army has awarded Teledyne FLIR Defense a $91 million contract for cutting-edge Black Hornet 4 nano drones, enhancing soldier surveillance capabilities.
At a Glance
- Teledyne FLIR Defense secures $91 million U.S. Army contract for Black Hornet 4 drones
- Contract spans five years, with initial $25 million order for drones, controllers, parts, and training
- Black Hornet 4 is part of the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program Phase II
- Drones provide real-time video and imagery for enhanced tactical awareness
- Over 40 countries currently use Black Hornet systems in military operations
Advanced Nano Drones for U.S. Army
The U.S. Army has taken a significant step in enhancing its surveillance capabilities by awarding Teledyne FLIR Defense a contract worth up to $91 million for the delivery of Black Hornet 4 nano drones. This five-year production contract marks a continued investment in advanced drone technology for military applications, building upon previous procurements of the Black Hornet 3 systems.
The Black Hornet 4 is an integral part of the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program Phase II, designed to equip soldiers with state-of-the-art surveillance tools. These nano drones are engineered for seamless deployment, offering real-time video and imagery intelligence to enhance tactical awareness in combat situations.
Teledyne FLIR Defense Wins $91M Contract from U.S. Army for Black Hornet 4 Nano-Drones
“Black Hornet 4 stands out as the world’s most capable nano-UAS for the world’s most high-risk missions,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of FLIR Defense. https://t.co/tJzLJA7rw7#drones pic.twitter.com/MC3ZWNeEgO
— Teledyne FLIR (@flir) October 22, 2024
Contract Details and Initial Order
The contract includes an initial order of $25 million, which will cover the first batch of Black Hornet 4 drones, controllers, spare parts, and necessary training. Deliveries for the SBS Phase II orders commenced in September, signaling a swift implementation of this advanced technology into the Army’s arsenal.
This latest contract follows a successful history of Black Hornet acquisitions by the U.S. Army. Since 2018, orders for Black Hornet 3 systems have exceeded $215 million, underscoring the military’s confidence in this technology’s effectiveness and reliability in the field.
Advanced Features and Capabilities
The Black Hornet 4 represents a significant advancement in nano-drone technology. It features a high-resolution Thermal Imager (TI) and an Electro Optical (EO) camera, making it particularly effective in low-light conditions. These capabilities allow for enhanced situational awareness and reduced risk of detection during critical missions.
Designed for portability and rapid deployment, the Black Hornet 4 is particularly suited for squad and small unit surveillance and reconnaissance. Its compact size allows soldiers to carry and deploy the drone quickly, providing immediate intelligence in high-risk environments.
Global Adoption and Future Prospects
The effectiveness of the Black Hornet systems has not gone unnoticed internationally. Currently, over 40 countries employ these nano drones in their military operations, highlighting the global recognition of their tactical value. This widespread adoption speaks to the versatility and reliability of the Black Hornet platform in diverse operational environments.
As the U.S. Army continues to modernize its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, the acquisition of the Black Hornet 4 drones represents a significant step forward. These advanced nano drones are poised to play a crucial role in enhancing soldier safety and operational effectiveness in the complex landscapes of modern warfare.
