Teledyne FLIR Defense Wins $15 Million Contract for Black Hornet 4 Nano-Drones

Rhea-AI Summary

Teledyne FLIR Defense (NYSE:TDY) has secured a $15 million contract from the German Army to supply Black Hornet® 4 Personal Reconnaissance Systems. The two-year agreement was facilitated by European Logistic Partners (ELP) GmbH.

The Black Hornet 4 is an advanced nano-drone weighing just 70 grams, featuring a 12-megapixel daytime camera and high-resolution thermal imager. Key capabilities include:

• 30+ minutes flight time
• 2+ kilometers range
• Operational in 25-knot winds and rain
• Advanced obstacle avoidance

Teledyne FLIR has delivered over 33,000 Black Hornet UAVs to military and security forces across 45+ countries, including active deployment with Ukrainian combat forces.

Positive

• Secured $15M contract with German military
• Strong market presence with 33,000+ units delivered globally
• Proven combat effectiveness in Ukraine operations
• Expanding European military market penetration

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

Teledyne's $15 million contract with the German military for Black Hornet 4 nano-drones represents a meaningful win for the company's defense segment, particularly as European defense spending accelerates amid heightened regional security concerns. This contract's significance extends beyond its immediate revenue impact.

The Black Hornet platform has established itself as the dominant nano-drone reconnaissance system globally, with over 33,000 units delivered across 45+ countries. This installed base creates substantial barriers to entry for competitors while generating recurring revenue opportunities through training, maintenance, and eventual upgrades. The German procurement likely signals the beginning of a longer-term relationship rather than a one-time purchase.

What makes this particularly notable is the operational validation these systems have received in Ukraine, effectively serving as a real-world showcase of their capabilities under combat conditions. This battlefield proving has likely accelerated adoption across NATO countries seeking to modernize their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

For investors, this contract highlights Teledyne's strong positioning in specialized defense technologies that align with modern military priorities - small, lightweight systems that provide outsized tactical advantages. The nano-drone segment represents a high-margin product category compared to traditional defense hardware, with significant intellectual property protection and competition.

As European defense budgets continue expanding in response to geopolitical tensions, Teledyne appears well-positioned to capture additional market share in tactical reconnaissance systems, potentially driving meaningful growth in its defense segment over the coming years.

Agreement provides German military with world-renowned Black Hornet 4 UAS for situational awareness and related operations

OSLO, Norway--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has received an order from the German Army to provide its Black Hornet® 4 Personal Reconnaissance Systems to German armed forces.

Teledyne FLIR Defense has received an order from the German Army to provide its Black Hornet® 4 nano-drone system to German armed forces. The $15 million contract was facilitated by Teledyne FLIR’s regional partner, European Logistic Partners (ELP) GmbH of Wuppertal, Germany. Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. It delivers crisp thermal/visual imagery to operators. At just 70 grams, Black Hornet 4 can fly for over 30 minutes, more than two kilometers, and function in 25-knot winds and rain. (Photo: Business Wire)

Teledyne FLIR performs as the supplier within a two-year agreement with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to deliver Black Hornet 4 systems, parts and training. The contract award was facilitated by Teledyne FLIR’s regional partner, European Logistic Partners (ELP) GmbH of Wuppertal, Germany as the contractor for BAAINBw.

Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. Its 12-megapixel daytime camera and high-resolution thermal imager deliver crisp video and still images to the operator. At just 70 grams Black Hornet 4 can fly for over 30 minutes, more than two kilometers, and function in 25-knot winds and rain. Flight performance is augmented by advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities and other features.

“We’re proud to work with the Bundeswehr and ELP to deliver the unmatched capabilities of Black Hornet 4 to German armed forces,” said Ketil Vanebo, vice president of UAS Norway Operations at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “We are seeing increased adoption of the Black Hornet unmanned aircraft system throughout Europe as regional and global tensions remain high.

“A highly stealthy, advanced drone such as Black Hornet 4 gives warfighters a distinct edge when conducting their toughest missions,” Vanebo added.

FLIR Defense has delivered more than 33,000 Black Hornet UAVs to military and security forces in over 45 countries. Black Hornet drones are being used by Ukrainian combat forces and have performed successfully in countless operations under harsh conditions.

The award-winning Black Hornet is designed and built by Teledyne FLIR Defense in Norway.

About Teledyne FLIR Defense

Teledyne FLIR Defense has been providing advanced, mission-critical technology and systems for more than 45 years. Our products are on the frontlines of the world’s most pressing military, security and public safety challenges. As a global leader in thermal imaging, we design and build sophisticated surveillance sensors for air, land and maritime domains. We develop the most rugged, trusted unmanned air and ground platforms, as well as intelligent sensing devices used to detect chemicals, biological agents, radiation and explosives. At FLIR Defense we bring together this expertise to deliver solutions that enable critical decisions and keep our world safe – from any threat, anywhere. To learn more, visit us online or follow @flir and @flir_defense.

About Teledyne Technologies

Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne's operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne's website at www.teledyne.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250225459256/en/

Media Contacts:

Joe Ailinger, Jr.

Teledyne FLIR Defense

Phone: +1 781-999-2678

Email: joe.ailinger@teledyne.com

Source: Teledyne FLIR Defense

FAQ

What is the value and duration of Teledyne's (TDY) Black Hornet 4 contract with German Army?

The contract is valued at $15 million and spans two years, with Teledyne FLIR Defense supplying Black Hornet 4 systems, parts, and training.

What are the key specifications of TDY's Black Hornet 4 nano-drone?

The 70-gram drone features a 12MP daytime camera, thermal imager, 30+ minute flight time, 2km+ range, and operates in 25-knot winds and rain.

How many Black Hornet drones has TDY delivered globally?

Teledyne FLIR has delivered over 33,000 Black Hornet UAVs to military and security forces in more than 45 countries.

Where is TDY's Black Hornet 4 drone currently being used in active combat?

The Black Hornet drones are being actively used by Ukrainian combat forces and have performed successfully in numerous operations under harsh conditions.