Bulgarian cargo drone pioneer DRONAMICS has announced the launch of a new defense platform built around its flagship Black Swan long-range cargo unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is company’s first dedicated military and security solution. The platform is designed to address the continuous airborne detection and targeting of multi-domain threats across European airspace.
Company’s representatives share that the system will support national security, civil protection, and border monitoring by providing persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) coverage.
Strategic partnership with HENSOLDT
For the program, DRONAMICS is partnering with HENSOLDT, a global provider in defense and security sensor technologies. The collaboration brings together DRONAMICS’ long-endurance drone platform with HENSOLDT’s advanced mission systems to create a fully European Airborne Early Warning (AEW) capability.
“The cooperation between HENSOLDT and DRONAMICS reflects our commitment to provide future-oriented airborne solutions that close capability gaps and enhance Europe’s safety and security, especially at our Eastern Flank,” said Dietmar Thelen, Member of HENSOLDT’s Group Executive Committee and Head of its Multi-Domain Solutions Division. He added that the project represents a step toward software-defined defense.
Mission systems and multi-domain detection
The joint platform will integrate HENSOLDT’s MissionGrid suite, including MissMarvin mission management software and the PrecISR synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Together, these systems enable the detection and tracking of airborne, ground, and maritime threats in all weather conditions.
MissionGrid uses data fusion and scalable architecture to allow a single aircraft to perform multiple missions simultaneously, while the PrecISR radar, based on active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, provides high-performance, 24/7 surveillance against conventional and asymmetric threats.
Black Swan positioned as strategic class III UAS
DRONAMICS said the Black Swan offers endurance exceeding 24 hours, heavy-lift capacity, and modular payload integration, allowing multiple ISTAR configurations. The company described the aircraft as a Strategic Class III UAS, capable of delivering long-range, persistent surveillance missions.
“DRONAMICS Detect & Defend is built on the solid foundation of our proven drone technology,” said Svilen Rangelov, Co-Founder and CEO of DRONAMICS. “Together with HENSOLDT, we aim to leverage advanced European aerospace technology to strengthen security and support a prosperous future.”
Deployment timeline and regional focus
Early demonstrations of the joint solution are planned for later this year, followed by operational deployment. Initial focus areas include Europe’s Eastern Flank, as well as the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions, where persistent airborne surveillance is seen as a growing priority.
The companies emphasized that the program will result in a 100% European-made unmanned airborne platform, supporting regional industrial capabilities while responding to evolving security requirements.
