Redwire Corporation has secured a new contract through its subsidiary, Edge Autonomy, to supply advanced uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to the Croatian Border Patrol. The contract, funded by the European Union’s border agency, Frontex, involves the delivery of Penguin C VTOL drones equipped with Octopus gimbal camera payloads. This technology will enhance Croatia’s capability to monitor its extensive borders, detect cross-border crime, and respond swiftly to security threats.
The deployment aligns with Frontex’s mission to strengthen the external borders of the European Union, particularly within the passport-free Schengen Zone. With millions of travelers moving through this area annually, the challenge lies in maintaining robust security without impeding the flow of legitimate travel. The autonomous surveillance provided by Edge Autonomy’s systems is designed to address this need, offering persistent aerial monitoring to help authorities distinguish between routine activity and potential security incidents.
Steve Adlich, President of Edge Autonomy, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting international security partners. “We are honored to be chosen by Frontex again to provide critical border patrol technology,” Adlich stated. “Our systems have proven effective in austere environments globally, and we understand the vital importance of these intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions for national security.”
This contract builds on a established history; Edge Autonomy has successfully executed previous Frontex contracts in other EU nations. The company brings nearly three decades of experience in providing reliable UAS, advanced optics, and power solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide. Their technology is specifically engineered to meet real-world operational demands, offering a proven tool for border authorities facing complex surveillance challenges.
The introduction of these UAS represents a significant upgrade for Croatian border security operations. The Penguin C’s vertical take-off and landing capability allows for deployment in difficult terrain without the need for runways, while the high-resolution imaging from the Octopus gimbal will provide clear, stabilized aerial intelligence. This partnership underscores a growing trend of employing sophisticated, autonomous technology to safeguard borders while facilitating legal movement across Europe.
