Spain’s Ministry of Defence has made a significant move to enhance its military capabilities by selecting the American drone manufacturer Skydio for a contract valued at 18 million euros (approximately $19 million). Under this agreement, Skydio will partner with Paukner Group, a Spanish defense distributor, to supply its advanced X10D uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions intended for the Spanish Army.
In a statement regarding the partnership, Skydio CEO Adam Bry expressed pride in supporting the Spanish Armed Forces with their cutting-edge drone technology. He emphasized that this contract highlights the increasing role of small drones in contemporary military operations, underscoring a broader trend within defense strategies that prioritize agile and versatile aerial capabilities.
While the specific number of units to be delivered and the timeline for their deployment have not been revealed, the X10D drones are poised to play a vital role in various missions. These include reconnaissance tasks, force protection measures, securing facilities, and managing crowd control situations, adapting to a range of operational needs.
The X10D drone boasts impressive features that are designed to optimize performance in contested environments. It integrates advanced artificial intelligence to enhance its robustness against electronic warfare threats, allowing for reliable operation even when faced with jamming or in areas where GPS signals are unavailable. The drone employs a visual inertial odometry system to maintain accurate navigation under such challenging circumstances.
Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, the X10D features high-resolution visual and radiometric thermal imaging capabilities that enable it to identify objects, vehicles, and individuals from great distances. It can reach speeds of up to 45 miles (72 kilometers) per hour and has a rapid deployment time of under 40 seconds, making it an agile asset on the battlefield.
Skydio’s production capabilities are noteworthy, having delivered over 45,000 units of various drone models to the US military and 25 allied nations since being authorized for shipment in 2024. Furthermore, the X10D was recognized as a finalist in the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance Tranche 2 program, which aims to replace the existing RQ-28A quadcopters, reflecting its competitive stature in the military drone market. This new venture in Spain represents a strategic collaboration that emphasizes innovation and effectiveness in defense technologies.
