Teledyne FLIR Defense
U.S. defense unit of Teledyne FLIR supplying thermal sensors and small UAS like Black Hornet and SkyRanger, tracing back to FLIR Systems (founded 1978).
Teledyne FLIR Defense is the defense- and security-focused business of Teledyne FLIR, a unit of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY). Its predecessor, FLIR Systems, was founded in 1978 and built its business around infrared and thermal-imaging technology; the company was headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon, with a second corporate office established in Arlington, Virginia in 2019 to support its growing defense and government customer base. Teledyne Technologies announced its acquisition of FLIR Systems in January 2021 in a deal valued at approximately $8 billion, based on FLIR's 2019 revenue of roughly $1.9 billion; the transaction closed in May 2021, after which FLIR's defense and security portfolio was organized under the Teledyne FLIR Defense brand.
In its last full year as an independent public company (2020), FLIR Systems reported about 4,179 employees, revenue of $1.923 billion, and net income of $212 million, with approximately 31% of revenue coming from U.S. federal government agencies -- reflecting the centrality of defense and homeland security customers to the business even before the Teledyne acquisition.
Teledyne FLIR Defense's product lines include thermal imaging cameras and infrared sensor payloads, small unmanned aircraft systems such as the Black Hornet nano-UAS, and larger tactical drones under the SkyRanger family. The company also produces ground robotics stemming from the earlier acquisition of Endeavor Robotics, and night-vision sighting systems such as the AN/PVS-22. Reported activity in 2026 includes integration of the company's Argus XL sensor platform into AeroVironment's Titan counter-drone system, and SkyRanger drones undergoing evaluation in a U.S. Navy trial -- both consistent with the unit's focus on supplying sensor and unmanned-systems payloads to prime defense contractors and military branches rather than only selling finished end-user platforms.
Teledyne FLIR Defense's customer base is concentrated among U.S. and allied militaries, homeland security and law-enforcement agencies, and defense prime contractors who integrate its thermal sensors and small unmanned platforms into larger weapons and surveillance systems. Because the division operates as part of the larger, publicly traded Teledyne Technologies, it benefits from the parent company's broader electronics manufacturing, digital imaging, and instrumentation businesses, positioning it within a diversified technology and defense conglomerate.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Black Hornet 4 PRS
- Launch Year: 2023
Nano-drone personal reconnaissance system, 70g drone unit, over 30-minute flight time and 2+ km range for GPS-denied areas.
Black Recon
- Launch Year: 2026
Vehicle-launched autonomous micro-drone under 450g with 50-60 minute flight time, interoperable with Black Hornet 4 nano-drones.
Black Hornet 3 PRS
Pocket-sized covert reconnaissance nano-drone with up to 25 minutes flight time and EO/IR sensors for dismounted soldiers.
Company Facts
Founded
1978
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Subsidiary / Acquired
Funding Total
-
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Military
Royal Navy Tests Robotic Boat for Autonomous Drone Launching in Maritime Surveillance
The Royal Navy is conducting trials of a robotic boat designed to autonomously launch and recover drones at sea, enhancing uncrewed maritime surveillance capabilities. This initiative, in collaboration with ACUA Ocean and Teledyne FLIR Defense, aims to improve persistent aerial reconnaissance while minimizing risks to personnel. The system integrates an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with a tethered uncrewed aerial system (T-UAS), allowing for extended surveillance operations. This development is significant as it represents a new approach to maritime surveillance, combining aerial and surface capabilities into a single autonomous system. The SkyCarrier and SkyRanger R70 drones, utilized during the trials, are equipped with advanced AI and imaging technologies, enabling them to perform demanding surveillance missions. The ability to maintain a stable tether connection allows for longer operational durations and continuous power supply, which is crucial for effective surveillance in challenging sea conditions. Looking ahead, the Royal Navy's exploration of this technology could lead to enhanced capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics
ACUA Ocean and Teledyne FLIR Defense Complete UKDI Funded Demonstration of Integrated Tethered UAS and USV
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acua ocean teledyne flir defense ukdi funding demonstration tethered uas uncrewed surface vessel (usv)
US Army orders $11.2-million drone kits to detect battlefield chemical, biological threats
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Video: US firm debuts 5.7-pound throwable recon robot with live thermal vision
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News
Teledyne FLIR Defense Expands Payload Program with Emesent Hovermap for GPS-Denied Operations
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Applications Defense Drone News Drone News Feeds Dual Use LiDAR
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