Switzerland has selected Teledyne FLIR Defense to supply Black Hornet 4 nano-class drones under a $17.5-million contract aimed at enhancing battlefield reconnaissance capabilities. The lightweight unmanned aerial systems will support Swiss Army operations by providing organic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage for Piranha 8×8 armored engineering vehicles.
Under the agreement, Teledyne FLIR will adapt the Black Hornet’s software to integrate with the Piranha’s onboard digital systems. This enables real-time aerial imagery and sensor data to be transmitted directly to vehicle crews, significantly improving situational awareness. The drone is intended to function as a dismountable ISR asset, allowing troops to conduct close-range reconnaissance without exposing personnel to threats.
System integration will be supported by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace through its Integrated Combat Solution. The upgraded architecture will not only provide live video feeds but also enable the generation of target points for the Piranha’s remote weapon station. Teledyne FLIR stated that the vehicle will be capable of launching and recovering the Black Hornet nano drone while in motion, enhancing operational tempo and survivability.
The Black Hornet 4 nano drone is 255 millimeters long, features a 190-millimeter rotor diameter, and flies at speeds of up to 10 meters per second. It can be hand-launched in less than 20 seconds and conduct reconnaissance missions within a 2-kilometer range, gathering optical, acoustic, and electromagnetic intelligence. Designed for robust performance, the system can operate in wind speeds of up to 25 knots and temperatures ranging from -20 to 43 degrees Celsius.
