HENSOLDT and Dronamics Launch European ISTAR UAV Platform

In defense and security operations, persistent airborne intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) is essential for monitoring national airspace, maritime borders and critical infrastructure. HENSOLDT and Dronamics have announced a joint unmanned airborne platform that integrates HENSOLDT’s mission systems into the Black Swan long-range UAV, creating a fully European strategic unmanned solution designed to close capability gaps in airborne early warning and multi-domain surveillance.

Long-Endurance UAV Platform for Persistent Coverage
The Black Swan is a heavy-lift, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle capable of operating for more than 24 hours. Its payload capacity and range position it within the Strategic Class III UAS category, enabling extended missions over land and sea.

Such endurance is particularly relevant for monitoring large maritime zones, border regions or critical corridors where continuous coverage is required. Compared to crewed platforms, unmanned operation reduces operational risk and supports persistent deployment in contested or remote environments.

Integrated AESA Radar and Multi-Sensor Data Fusion
The joint platform integrates HENSOLDT’s MissionGrid suite, including the MissMarvin mission management software and the PrecISR airborne surveillance radar.

PrecISR is an AESA-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capable of detecting airborne, ground and maritime targets. Built on software-defined radar technology, it enables 24/7 operation in all weather conditions. AESA architecture allows electronic beam steering, multi-mode operation and improved reliability compared to mechanically scanned systems.

MissionGrid combines radar inputs with electro-optical sensors and data fusion algorithms. The integration of multiple sensor streams enables improved situational awareness, helping operators distinguish between conventional and asymmetric threats across domains.

Software-Defined Mission Architecture
A key characteristic of the system is its software-defined mission structure. By decoupling mission logic from the physical airframe, the platform supports scalable upgrades and integration of additional payloads without redesigning the aircraft.

MissMarvin mission management software coordinates sensor data, processing and dissemination. This approach supports multi-role operation, allowing a single UAV to perform surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition tasks during the same mission.

Such architecture aligns with broader European efforts toward software-defined defence systems that emphasize modularity, interoperability and rapid capability updates.

Addressing European Coverage Gaps
The joint solution is designed to address surveillance and early warning requirements along Europe’s Eastern Flank, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Persistent airborne sensing is increasingly relevant for monitoring multi-domain threats, including low-observable aerial platforms, maritime activity and cross-border risks.

By combining long endurance with high-performance sensor integration, the platform supports both defense and civil protection applications, including disaster response and maritime monitoring.

Early demonstrations of the system are planned for later this year, followed by phased operational deployment.

European Industrial Integration
The platform is positioned as a fully European solution, integrating UAV manufacturing expertise from Dronamics with sensor and mission systems from HENSOLDT. The cooperation builds on HENSOLDT’s experience in multi-domain sensor systems and airborne radar technology, while leveraging the Black Swan’s endurance and payload flexibility.

For defense planners and system integrators, the combination of persistent UAV operations with scalable ISTAR sensor fusion offers an alternative to traditional crewed surveillance aircraft, supporting long-duration missions with reduced lifecycle complexity.

www.hensoldt.com