Pentagon Approves Teledyne’s Black Hornet 4 Nano Drone

Teledyne FLIR’s Black Hornet 4 nano drone has been approved by the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for inclusion on the Blue UAS list after meeting cybersecurity requirements and passing verification under the National Defense Authorization Act.

The approval grants the Black Hornet 4 Authority to Operate (ATO), allowing federal agencies to deploy the system for official use. The listing signifies full trust in the system's cybersecurity resilience and battlefield readiness.

Features of the Nano Drone

The Black Hornet 4 is a palm-sized drone engineered for short-range reconnaissance in complex environments, especially in urban and cluttered settings. The entire system weighs just 1.3 kilograms (2.9 pounds), making it highly portable and operable with minimal training by dismounted personnel.

Capable of flying for over 30 minutes and reaching a range of more than 3 kilometers (1.9 miles), the drone is equipped with a 12-megapixel optical camera and a thermal sensor. This dual capability allows for both daylight and night operations. It can withstand adverse conditions, including wind speeds up to 25 knots (46 kilometers/hour) and light rain, and transmits live images and video in real-time.

The Black Hornet 4 also features an obstacle avoidance system for improved navigation and safety in tight environments.

Expanding U.S. Military Integration

More than 33,000 Black Hornet variants have been delivered to military and security forces in over 45 countries. In May, Teledyne FLIR opened a 13,000-square-foot facility in Somerset, Kentucky, to support maintenance, training, and testing for U.S. military operators.

This expansion follows a five-year U.S. military contract awarded in October 2024 for the delivery of Black Hornet 4 systems, initially valued at $25 million with a total potential value of $91 million if all options are exercised.