NATO chooses U.S. Skydio drones to enhance forward reconnaissance operations.

According to information published by the American Company Skydio on August 4, 2025, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has selected American autonomous drone manufacturer Skydio, in collaboration with Belgian partner COBBS BELUX BV, to deliver and support uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in the nano category under 2.5 kg. This selection falls under a new framework agreement as part of NATO’s Uncrewed Aerial Systems Support Partnership, aiming to provide member nations and partners with rapid access to cutting-edge ISR platforms optimized for modern military and security operations.
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Skydio X10D is a small drone with smart navigation and day night cameras for frontline surveillance (Picture source : Skydio)

Under this agreement, Skydio will supply its advanced X10D nano-class UAS, a platform known for its AI-driven autonomous flight capabilities, enhanced obstacle avoidance in both day and zero-light conditions, and strong resilience against electronic warfare environments. The X10D is equipped with advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors for all-weather, day/night intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Importantly, it features a fully secure architecture in compliance with U.S. NDAA and Blue UAS cybersecurity and operational standards, ensuring mission integrity across NATO forces.

Technically, the Skydio X10D is built around a lightweight carbon-composite airframe optimized for stealth and durability, weighing approximately 2.2 kg. It features a multi-sensor gimbal payload that includes a 64 MP ultra-high-resolution RGB camera, a 640x512 resolution FLIR Boson+ thermal imaging sensor with multiple zoom levels, and an onboard Nvidia Jetson Orin AI compute module capable of real-time object detection, classification, and autonomous tracking. The drone supports a flight time of up to 35 minutes, a range of 10 km with encrypted dual-band radio (900 MHz and 2.4 GHz), and can be operated in GPS-denied environments thanks to Skydio's proprietary visual inertial odometry and AI navigation algorithms. The X10D can operate in Level 5 darkness, is IP-rated for dust and light rain, and can tolerate temperatures between -20°C and +45°C. It also supports offline mission planning, autonomous return-to-home functionality, and complies with NATO STANAG interoperability standards for ISR data formats.

In tactical operations, the X10D provides forward units, special forces, and reconnaissance teams with organic ISR capabilities without exposing soldiers to direct threats. It can be launched in under 60 seconds from confined or moving environments, such as urban rooftops, vehicles, or dismounted patrols. Its ability to navigate complex interiors without GPS enables it to perform structure penetration, tunnel exploration, and close-quarter surveillance during MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain). The low acoustic and visual signature allows it to loiter undetected over hostile positions for real-time overwatch, target acquisition, and damage assessment. Integrated mission profiles support autonomous perimeter patrol, convoy escort, and infrastructure monitoring, enhancing both situational awareness and survivability for NATO ground forces.

The acquisition of nano-class drones like the Skydio X10D comes at a time when NATO faces heightened threats on its eastern flank and increasing hybrid warfare scenarios. Nations such as Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland are investing in layered ISR solutions to monitor Russian troop activity, gray-zone incursions, and irregular border crossings. Meanwhile, southern flank nations including Italy, Spain, and Greece face asymmetric threats in the Mediterranean, such as smuggling, illegal maritime migration, and drone-enabled surveillance by non-state actors. The X10D’s compact, secure, and rapidly deployable nature supports NATO’s broader effort to create an interoperable drone ecosystem capable of operating in low-intensity conflict zones, border surveillance, and conventional battlefield engagements.

COBBS BELUX BV will act as the key European logistics and support hub for the initiative, handling regional sales, training, distribution, and lifecycle management of the X10D systems. Operating under close coordination with Skydio, the Belgian company will ensure localized, responsive, and NATO-compliant operational support across Europe.

This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening NATO’s tactical ISR capabilities by leveraging autonomous nano-drone technology and fostering transatlantic industrial collaboration. It also reflects NATO’s strategic focus on equipping allied forces with scalable, secure, and interoperable UAS platforms to enhance battlefield awareness and mission flexibility.