Vilnius Drone Manufacturer Secures €1 Million Defence Contract
Granta Autonomy, an innovative drone company based in Vilnius, has secured a €1 million contract with the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence. This agreement focuses on the supply of the GA-10FPV-AI quadcopter drone, a state-of-the-art first-person view (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The drone will be utilised by both the Lithuanian military and the Ukrainian armed forces as part of a broader €8 million defence procurement initiative that also includes contributions from additional Lithuanian drone manufacturers.
Details of the Contract
The contract stipulates that over 2,300 drones will be delivered to Lithuania, while nearly 5,000 will be supplied to Ukraine. The first batch of these UAVs is expected to reach Ukraine by the end of September, and the full consignment is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. This initiative underscores Lithuania's ongoing commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities while supporting Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict.
Key Features of GA-10FPV-AI
The GA-10FPV-AI, the latest addition to Granta Autonomy’s UAV fleet, boasts a versatile design suitable for a range of applications. It features a quadcopter frame with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities and can carry payloads of up to 3kg. Designed for autonomous operation, the drone can function effectively even in radio silence or in environments where the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is not available. The package includes a ground control station equipped with FPV goggles, a controller, a battery charger, antennas, and a monitor for external video display. Additionally, it provides a variety of customisation options for video transmission frequencies and camera types, making it adaptable to diverse missions and operational environments.
Statements from Granta Autonomy
"This significant order from the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence is a major milestone for Granta Autonomy," said Gediminas Guoba, founder and CEO of the company. He emphasised that Granta Autonomy’s drones have already demonstrated their effectiveness on Ukrainian battlefields. “Our ongoing partnership not only highlights Lithuania’s commitment to supporting Ukraine but also underscores our position as a leader in drone technology. By supporting Ukrainian forces and fostering domestic innovation, Lithuania is making a significant contribution to global security and defence."
The company's robust relationship with the Lithuanian government and its continuous focus on innovation have positioned it as a key player in the drone technology sector. Granta Autonomy is actively pursuing additional opportunities with the Lithuanian Government and other NATO partners to further expand its reach and impact.
About Granta Autonomy
Founded in 2015 by former Lithuanian military engineers Gediminas Guoba and Laurynas Litvinas, Granta Autonomy focuses on developing and producing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The company’s portfolio includes integrations and components for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition & reconnaissance (ISTAR), search & rescue, and loitering munitions. In July 2024, the company secured €1 million in seed funding from ScaleWolf VC, Brolis Defence, and HFL Holdings. This investment has accelerated the development of Granta Autonomy’s cutting-edge range of drones, micro gimbals, and digital Datalink software, all of which have been rigorously tested on the frontlines in Ukraine.
This contract with the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence represents a significant step forward for Granta Autonomy, enhancing its role in international defence and security sectors while showcasing the practical applications of its technology on the battlefield.
Source: Noah Wire Services