The Norwegian Armed Forces have awarded California-based drone maker Skydio a contract valued at 101 million Norwegian kroner ($9.8 million) for the delivery of its state-of-the-art X10D small unmanned aerial systems. The exact number of units to be delivered has not been disclosed.
Designed in line with U.S. military standards, the X10D drone is tailored to support modern tactical operations. It features a powerful sensor payload, including a 48–64MP visual camera and Teledyne FLIR thermal imaging, providing critical real-time intelligence to enhance mission planning and responsiveness on the battlefield.
This compact drone is engineered for rapid response, capable of launching in less than 40 seconds. It achieves speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h) and can remain airborne for up to 40 minutes. What sets it apart is its ability to function effectively in contested electromagnetic environments, supported by electronic warfare capabilities that ensure uninterrupted command and control as well as secure data transmission in jamming-prone zones.
The acquisition underscores Norway’s commitment to strengthening its ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities with agile, next-generation unmanned systems.
