German company Rheinmetall starts supplying automated reconnaissance systems to Ukraine

This is stated in a message on the company's website.

"At the behest of the German government, Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with automated reconnaissance systems. These are primarily used for monitoring large areas of terrain with as few personnel as possible," the company said.

"These reconnaissance systems consist of mobile surveillance towers with day and night-capable camera equipment, autopiloted mini drones and a control system. The scope of delivery also includes transport vehicles. The order is worth a figure in the double-digit million-euro range. Delivery has already commenced," they added.

According to the report, created by the Estonian company DefSecIntel, SurveilSPIRE surveillance towers can be loaded onto trailers and quickly transported to their place of operation. It takes three people to assemble. The system includes wireless communication channels (4G and Starlink) for video transmission to a mobile command post. Solar panels provide long-term operation without power cables or a fuel source. 

The system is based on autopiloted reconnaissance drones that patrol and fly to perform specific tasks. This allows for verification of detected threats and allows the operator to initiate the necessary countermeasures.

• In January, the German company Rheinmetall promised to supply Ukraine with ammunition for Leopard tanks.