Australian defence technology manufacturer EPE has ventured into a partnership with US drone manufacturer Skydio to launch its autonomous platform in the Australian and New Zealand defence market.
Through the partnership, ANZ customers will have access to the Skydio X2D drone, which is designed to meet current reconnaissance and surveillance requirements to counter emerging threats.
The US-made Skydio X2D system was selected for the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance Program of Record in February 2022.
Leveraging Skydio Autonomy, an artificial intelligence-driven flight autonomy software, SkydioX2D is the ultimate solution for military customers to perform reconnaissance, search and rescue, and security patrol missions.
Warwick Penrose, the owner of EPE, said his company’s missions align with Skydio X2D, as EPE focuses on protecting soldiers and first responders through innovative solutions.
EPE is providing leading technologies to Defence’s Experimentation Teams in the area of Human Machine Teaming.
The company partnered with another US-based company, Shield AI, in August to launch its indoor drone into the ANZ market.
The Nova 2 uncrewed system uses path planning computer vision algorithms designed to autonomously navigate complex subterranean and multi-story buildings without GPS, communications, or a human pilot.
