Mini-drones weighing less than 450 grams are launched from military vehicles, can fly for up to 60 minutes without relying on GPS, and promise continuous reconnaissance for troops protected inside armored vehicles.

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 15/06/2026 at 20:44

Updated on 15/06/2026 at 20:45

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Black Recon System, presented by Teledyne FLIR Defense at Eurosatory, uses mini-drones launched from vehicles and fixed installations for continuous reconnaissance, with return, recharge, and the possibility of operation without GPS in electronic warfare environments, reducing troop exposure during ground missions

Teledyne FLIR Defense presented at Eurosatory, in Paris, the Black Recon, a mini-drone system launched from military vehicles and fixed installations for continuous reconnaissance, with automatic recovery and recharge after each mission.

The proposal targets a need of ground forces: to observe the battlefield beyond the line of sight without forcing soldiers to leave the protection of armored vehicles. The system combines docking station, autonomous micro-aircraft, and surveillance.

At the core of the platform is a base capable of housing up to three unmanned aircraft. The alternating operation allows one drone to be on a mission while another recharges, creating continuous coverage for information and target acquisition.

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How the mini-drones operate in the field

The mini-drones were designed for onboard use, not as an adaptation of portable equipment. Each drone weighs less than 450 grams, stays airborne for 50 to 60 minutes, and can reach 25 meters per second.

The operational autonomy responds to electronic warfare. Teledyne claims that the aircraft can continue missions without GPS, using advanced sensors, visual navigation, and a visual-inertial system, including in silent radio operations.

The Black Recon offers retransmission to expand communication coverage and compatibility with the Black Hornet 4 nano-drone, already used by military clients. The platform also accepts thermal and visible image payloads.

These features allow for the transmission of images and target location data. JihFen Lei, president of the Teledyne Defense and Aerospace Group, stated that the system integrates launch, recovery, and recharge into military platforms.

Technology beyond military use

Although developed for military users, the Black Recon could support public safety, borders, critical infrastructure, and maritime patrol. The modular design anticipates future payloads, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear sensors, as well as lethality modules.

The system is available for order, with deliveries expected by 2027. The launch reinforces the race for autonomous solutions capable of maintaining situational awareness, reducing effort, and minimizing risks for human operators.

Do you believe that onboard mini-drones like the Black Recon can change the way troops, borders, and critical areas are monitored in the coming years? Share your opinion on the possible uses of this technology, the necessary limits, the safety of operations, and the impacts for those working in the field.

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Mini-drones weighing less than 450 grams are launched from military vehicles, can fly for up to 60 minutes without relying on GPS, and promise continuous reconnaissance for troops protected inside armored vehicles.

How the mini-drones operate in the field

Technology beyond military use

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