Defense firm Redwire Corporation has announced a pivotal agreement to enhance Croatia’s border security with the deployment of advanced uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). This initiative, funded by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), aims to fortify surveillance and rapid response capabilities for Croatia’s Border Patrol.
Under the arrangement, Redwire’s subsidiary, Edge Autonomy, will provide the Penguin C vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS, accompanied by the advanced Octopus gimbal camera payloads. This sophisticated technology promises to significantly improve the ability of Croatian authorities to monitor extensive border regions and swiftly identify potential threats.
The implementation of these systems follows successful Frontex operations in countries like Poland and Greece. In those instances, Edge Autonomy’s VTOL drones demonstrated their effectiveness in offering persistent surveillance in challenging terrains and along maritime approaches. They proved particularly beneficial in anti-smuggling operations and search-and-rescue missions.
Steve Adlich, President of Edge Autonomy, emphasized the company’s commitment to national security, stating, “Redwire understands the importance of national security for our allies, and we are committed to supporting the ISR missions that help keep their borders protected.”
The introduction of the Penguin C VTOL systems represents a significant step in Croatia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its aerial surveillance capabilities. The VTOL technology enables operations without the need for traditional runways, while the Octopus gimbal cameras provide high-resolution imaging with real-time data transmission. This combination enhances situational awareness for border officers, allowing for more informed decision-making.
Historically, Croatian authorities have utilized various fixed-wing UAS, such as the Schiebel Camcopter S-100 for coastal surveillance and SenseFly eBee drones for monitoring forested areas along the border. The integration of the Penguin C drones is expected to add a new layer of flexibility, facilitating rapid response, long-endurance missions, and operations in tight or inaccessible regions.
This initiative is part of a broader regional modernization strategy that includes enhancements to Croatia’s maritime radar network along the Adriatic Sea and the integration of unmanned aerial vehicle data into the national border command-and-control system. By improving these capabilities, Croatia aims to strengthen its border security and ensure more effective management of its vast border regions.
