Norway has announced its contribution of 1,000 new Norwegian drone kits of the Black Hornet type to Ukraine. The drones, developed in collaboration between the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, have proven highly effective in reconnaissance operations. The Ukrainian government has requested the donation of this equipment to aid in their fight against the ongoing Russian invasion.
Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) expressed satisfaction with previous deliveries of this type of reconnaissance drone to Ukraine, emphasizing their successful development and production in Norway. The Black Hornet drone, produced by Teledyne FLIR, is globally recognized as a market leader and is used by numerous allied nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The drone is primarily employed for reconnaissance and target identification, characterized by its ease of operation, relative robustness, low detectability, and suitability for urban combat scenarios.
“The close collaboration between authorities, research institutions, and industry has been crucial in developing this drone,” stated Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram. He further emphasized that maintaining necessary military supplies to Ukraine requires a tight partnership with the defense industry. The contribution of 1,000 new Black Hornet drone kits will not only enhance Ukraine’s capabilities but also provide them with modern and efficient equipment.
Military nano-drones, classified as small drones weighing under 50 grams, fall within the Black Hornet’s specifications, as it weighs 32 grams. Since its inception in 2007, over 14,000 iterations of the Black Hornet drone have been delivered to more than 40 customers worldwide, with the United States being the largest recipient. Norway acquired its first Black Hornets in 2015, and these drones are now being widely deployed across Army units.
The donation of 1,000 Black Hornet drone kits by Norway to Ukraine solidifies their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts and enhancing their operational capabilities in combating the ongoing crisis. The collaboration between Norway and Ukraine in the field of military technology highlights the value of cooperation between governments, research institutions, and the defense industry in addressing global security challenges.