Elistair, a notable player in the unmanned aerial systems market, has recently secured a significant contract to provide a tethered small unmanned aerial system to an allied military force. Valued at 3 million euros (approximately $3.1 million), the deal involves the delivery of Elistair’s flagship Kronos “drone-in-a-box” technology, complemented by associated training, spare parts, and ongoing support for the client, as reported by The American Surveyor.
This deal entails not only the provision of the drone system but also includes collaboration with Milrem Robotics, an Estonian defense manufacturer. The shipment of the drone, along with its supportive technologies, is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2025.
The Kronos Unmanned Aerial System presents an innovative design that features a specialized landing container, enabling it to launch from both moving and stationary platforms in under two minutes. With a weight of 30 kilograms (66 pounds), the system is capable of performing in both day and night operations, extending its operational range up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and offering endurance of up to 24 hours on a single deployment.
Notably, Japan has highlighted the drone’s ability to function in extreme weather conditions and in environments where there is a lack of signal access, such as radio frequency and navigation systems. Elistair emphasized that Kronos is compact and fully automated, making it ideal for integration onto moving vehicles. The drone is designed to provide enhanced situational awareness and real-time aerial intelligence, particularly useful in Global Navigation Satellite System-denied environments. The company stated that the system’s capacity for continuous operation positions it as an optimal solution for persistent surveillance, ensuring that mission-critical information is consistently accessible.
Elistair’s recent contract comes on the heels of a partnership with Rheinmetall, established last year, which aimed to integrate the Kronos drone with the German industry’s Mission Master unmanned ground vehicle. Prior to this collaborative package, the compatibility of both systems was rigorously tested for unmanned European militaries at a facility located in Québec.
Alain Tremblay, Vice President of Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada, remarked on the versatility of the Mission Master family of unmanned ground vehicles, noting that they can accommodate various intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance payloads. He also emphasized the distinct advantages of the Kronos drone, expressing optimism about its potential in meeting the demands of current and future complex operational theaters. With international interest already garnered, the collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing military surveillance capabilities across allied forces.
