Croatia to Receive Redwire VTOL Drones

Defense firm Redwire Corporation is set to equip Croatia’s Border Patrol with advanced uncrewed aerial systems to strengthen surveillance and rapid response along its borders.

Under a contract funded by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), Redwire subsidiary Edge Autonomy will supply Penguin C VTOL UAS paired with Octopus gimbal camera payloads.

This will enable Croatian authorities to monitor vast border regions and detect potential threats more efficiently.

These systems follow successful Frontex deployments in countries such as Poland and Greece, where Edge Autonomy’s VTOL drones provided persistent surveillance along challenging terrains and maritime approaches, proving particularly effective for anti-smuggling and search-and-rescue operations.

“Redwire understands the importance of national security for our allies, and we are committed to supporting the ISR missions that help keep their borders protected,” Steve Adlich, President of Edge Autonomy, said.

Croatia’s Improving Uncrewed Aerial Systems 

Croatia’s adoption of Penguin C VTOL systems is part of a growing effort to modernize its aerial surveillance capabilities.

The VTOL aircraft can operate without traditional runways, while the Octopus gimbal cameras offer high-resolution imaging with real-time transmission, enhancing situational awareness for border officers.

Previously, Croatian authorities have deployed fixed-wing UAS like the Schiebel Camcopter S-100 for coastal surveillance and SenseFly eBee drones for monitoring forested border areas.

The addition of Penguin C drones adds flexibility for rapid response, long-endurance missions, and operations in tight or inaccessible areas.

This initiative complements other regional modernization programs, including upgrades to Croatia’s maritime radar network along the Adriatic Sea and integration of UAV data into the national border command-and-control system.