Teledyne FLIR Defense Awarded $11.2 Million U.S. Army Contract for Advanced CBRN Sensor Drone Kits

New autonomous SkyRaider®-based systems strengthen battlefield protection by mapping chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats without exposing soldiers to harm

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) announced today that Teledyne FLIR Defense, a global leader in intelligent sensing and unmanned systems, has won an $11.2 million contract from the U.S. Army’s Capability Program Executive for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CPE CBRND) to deliver more than 45 advanced CBRN unmanned aerial system (UAS) kits.

The kits were developed under the Army’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Sensor Integration on Robotic Platforms (CSIRP) program. CSIRP focuses on rapidly prototyping and fielding modular sensor solutions that enhance drones and unmanned ground vehicles through advanced sensing, AI, machine learning, autonomy, and communications technologies.

At the heart of the award is the integration of Teledyne FLIR’s R80D SkyRaider® UAS with a suite of modular CBRN detection payloads and resilient communications technologies. For these kits, the R80D SkyRaider drone is specially configured with semi-autonomous CBRN search and survey capabilities developed under the CSIRP program. Thus equipped, SkyRaider enables dismounted frontline units to rapidly assess contaminated environments while keeping soldiers out of harm’s way. Using the detection payloads mounted on the drone, operators can view real-time hazard data through mapping, targeting, and communications tools. Once deployed, the SkyRaider can autonomously locate and characterize CBRN threats.

“Safe-guarding soldiers from weapons of mass destruction is at the core of our mission,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, President of Teledyne Defense and Aerospace Group and Senior Vice Present of Teledyne Technologies. “These SkyRaider-based sensor kits dramatically improve how units can detect and map CBRN hazards without exposing warfighters to dangerous environments.

“This award also builds on our continued work as lead integrator for the Army’s NBCRV Sensor Suite Upgrade program, where we’re delivering next-generation sensing and autonomy solutions that give U.S. and allied forces a decisive edge,” Dr. Lei added.

Each kit includes the R80D SkyRaider drone carrying a selection of chemical, biological and radiological detection payloads – including the Teledyne FLIR MUVE™ B330 biological sensor – and featuring autonomous operation.

The sensor kits are being built at Teledyne FLIR Defense facilities in Elkridge, Md. and West Lafayette, Ind., with additional engineering performed in Stillwater, Okla. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

For more on Teledyne FLIR Defense’s integrated CBRN detection solutions, visit us online.

About Teledyne FLIR Defense

Teledyne FLIR Defense has been providing advanced, mission-critical technology and systems for more than 45 years. Our products are on the frontlines of the world’s most pressing military, security and public safety challenges. As a global leader in thermal imaging, we design and build sophisticated surveillance sensors for air, land and maritime use. We develop the most rugged, trusted unmanned air and ground platforms, as well as intelligent sensing devices used to detect chemicals, biological agents, radiation and explosives. At Teledyne FLIR Defense we bring together this expertise to deliver solutions that enable critical decisions and keep our world safe – from any threat, anywhere. To learn more, visit us online or follow @flir and @flir_defense.

About Teledyne Technologies

Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne's operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne's website at www.teledyne.com.

The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the company and do not reflect the official policy or position of the CPE CBRND, U.S. Army, or the Department of War (DoW). References to non-Federal entities or products do not constitute or imply a DoW, Army, or CPE CBRND endorsement.