Redwire Corporation announced on 12 November that its subsidiary Edge Autonomy will deliver Penguin C VTOL uncrewed aerial systems and Octopus gimbal payloads to the Croatian Border Patrol. The contract, funded by Frontex, aims to strengthen Croatia’s ability to monitor its borders and counter illegal activities. The deal also expands Edge Autonomy’s long-running role in European border security programs.
Frontex manages external border support for EU states. Therefore, the agency seeks tools that help authorities detect suspicious activity without slowing legitimate travel. With high travel volumes across the Schengen area, border forces must process potential risks rapidly. Edge Autonomy’s autonomous systems will provide Croatia with additional airborne coverage to meet that demand.
According to Edge Autonomy President Steve Adlich, the company values its long partnership with European customers. He said the team will continue to support allied ISR missions and enhance situational awareness along key borders. The company has already completed several Frontex-backed deployments across Europe and remains familiar with flying in complex environments.
The Penguin C VTOL offers capabilities suited for these missions. It can take off and land anywhere, which allows rapid deployment in harsh or contested terrain. Its 12-hour endurance and 180-kilometer range enable long surveillance sorties. Additionally, its fully automated VTOL design removes the need for runways, which increases flexibility. The platform also supports field-swappable payloads and includes a secondary payload bay.
Moreover, the system’s modular design lets customers integrate mission-specific equipment. Edge Autonomy engineers work directly with operators to customize payloads, communications, and software. A two-person crew can transport the aircraft in rugged containers and assemble it in under an hour. This reduces the logistical footprint and speeds mission readiness.
When equipped with EO/IR payloads, the Penguin C VTOL performs day and night tracking, small target detection, and inspection tasks. It meets Group 3 and NATO Class I standards and supports MISB-compliant video streaming. It also integrates with Silvus radios to provide voice and data relay functions for tactical networks.
Redwire noted that these systems draw on nearly three decades of technology heritage. The company provides UAS, optics, and energy solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. federal agencies, and allied governments. The new contract with Croatia further expands its presence in European security operations.
