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German Army Enhances Close-Range Reconnaissance Capabilities with Black Hornet Nanodrones.
On January 13, 2025, the Bundeswehr announced the acquisition of Black Hornet 3 and Black Hornet 4 nanodrones, developed by Teledyne FLIR. These unmanned aerial systems (UAS), known for their compact size and stealth, are designed to improve optical reconnaissance capabilities in close-range tactical environments. The contract, finalized on December 30, 2024, with ELP GmbH, the distributor for Teledyne FLIR, reflects an effort to modernize the reconnaissance tools of the German Army. While specific details such as the number of units or contract volume remain undisclosed, it is confirmed that the drones will primarily equip special forces while addressing capability gaps within the army’s land and naval units.

A German soldier monitors the images from the Black Hornet on a small screen (Picture source: Bundeswehr)
The Black Hornet 3 and 4 are characterized by their lightweight and discreet operation. The Black Hornet 3, weighing 33 grams and measuring 169 mm in length, features advanced optical sensors capable of capturing color and thermal imagery with video resolution up to 640 x 480 pixels. Its ability to operate without GNSS allows it to perform effectively in areas where GPS signals are unavailable, such as indoor spaces or obstructed environments.
With a flight time of 25 minutes and a maximum speed of 21.6 km/h, it is particularly suited for short-duration missions in complex scenarios. Its advanced safety features, such as automatic return in case of signal loss, ensure reliability during operations.
The Black Hornet 4, a significant technological upgrade, weighs 70 grams with a length of 255 mm. It incorporates a 12-megapixel day camera with excellent low-light performance and a high-definition thermal sensor offering 650 x 512-pixel resolution. With an endurance of over 30 minutes and a top speed of 36 km/h, this model meets a broader range of operational requirements. It is equipped with obstacle detection systems, enabling efficient use in confined or obstructed environments, such as urban areas or damaged buildings. Additionally, its compatibility with GNSS-free navigation systems and its advanced Qualcomm-QRB5165 processor enhance its autonomy and data collection efficiency.
Both drones, already field-tested in various operational contexts worldwide, are supplied as part of a complete system, including two drones, a remote controller, and a portable monitor for real-time data analysis. Their rapid deployment capability—less than 20 seconds for the Black Hornet 4—ensures quick responsiveness in the field.
Their low acoustic signatures, with sound emissions below 30 decibels for the Black Hornet 3 and 20 decibels for the Black Hornet 4, make them highly effective in missions requiring stealth.
For the Bundeswehr, integrating these drones provides a significant strategic advantage. Their ability to deliver immediate situational awareness enables soldiers to detect and identify threats without compromising their position, enhancing operational security. The drones' operational flexibility and resilience in challenging environmental conditions make them indispensable tools for advancing the army’s reconnaissance capabilities. These acquisitions align with the evolving requirements of modern conflicts, emphasizing rapid intelligence gathering and minimizing risks to personnel.
By investing in cutting-edge nanotechnologies, the Bundeswehr positions itself to meet the demands of contemporary battlefields, where agility, stealth, and efficient intelligence collection are crucial for operational success.