Thanks to the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), I had the opportunity to visit the cutting-edge research and development facility of DefendEye, a Kraków-based startup at the forefront of autonomous drone technology. This exclusive tour provided a comprehensive look at the future of AI-powered, fully autonomous drones that are redefining situational awareness and emergency response globally.
The visit was part of a broader innovation initiative supported under the European Funds for Smart Economy, co-financed by the Republic of Poland and the European Union—highlighting the strategic role DefendEye plays in Poland’s rapidly evolving high-tech defense ecosystem.
What is DefendEye?
Founded in 2023, DefendEye is a Polish technology company pioneering fully autonomous, AI-driven drones designed for safety, rescue, and rapid response operations. The startup’s mission is to democratize drone-based surveillance and intelligence by removing the barriers of training, piloting, and setup.
Their drones are launched directly from compact, tube-based containers and are operational in under 10 seconds—with no pilot, pre-flight calibration, or remote control required. This makes them a game-changer for both military and civilian use, especially in high-stress or dangerous environments.
How It Works
The process is remarkably simple:
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Press a button on the launch tube.
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The drone deploys in under 10 seconds.
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It instantly begins tracking and identifying humans or objects using onboard AI.
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A new drone canister can be snapped in and relaunched in seconds.
Each drone streams real-time encrypted video to DefendEye’s cloud-based Command Center, providing instant situational awareness to decision-makers. It uses AI to identify humans in less than 10 milliseconds, 10 times faster and more accurately than the human eye. The drones are capable of operating in complete darkness, fog, and zero-light conditions, thanks to Sony’s low-light CMOS sensors paired with infrared LEDs.
Two Specialized Drone Variants
During the facility tour, I was shown two operational variants of DefendEye’s autonomous drone system:
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Lightweight Variant:
Designed for rescue, fire, and surveillance missions, this version weighs under 250 grams, making it license-free in many jurisdictions. Its ultra-portability and quick deployment are ideal for first responders and public safety teams. -
Military Variant:
This version is heavier, equipped with a larger battery that extends its endurance to 35 minutes of continuous flight—a significant upgrade for defense operations. It offers long-duration ISR in contested environments and tactical flexibility for battlefield deployment.
Both versions maintain the company’s core promise: fully autonomous operation, launched from a tube in seconds, with no remote control or pilot needed.
Technical Highlights
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AI-powered human/object detection and tracking
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Launch-ready in under 10 seconds
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Zero pre-flight setup, zero training required
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Autonomous flight and hover-on-loss-of-signal
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Thermal + optical image fusion for night/low-visibility operation
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Under 250 grams (license-free in many countries)
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Disposable or reusable—priced affordably at $599 per unit
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Cloud-connected ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance)
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Night vision detection at 50 meters, AI identification up to 100 meters
Dual-Use Versatility
DefendEye’s platform is tailored for both military and civilian use, making it one of the most adaptable solutions available. The drone systems are especially relevant in:
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Law enforcement: For crime scene monitoring, suspect tracking, and tactical raids.
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Military & Border Security: Tactical ISR in contested areas, perimeter patrols, and support for dismounted troops.
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Fire & Rescue: Rapid thermal scanning to locate trapped individuals in hazardous conditions.
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Search & Rescue (SAR): Area sweeps in rugged terrain, detecting movement, campfires, or heat signatures.
Final Thoughts
What sets DefendEye apart is its bold mission to make cutting-edge drone intelligence accessible to non-specialists. These systems are ready to deploy in seconds, offer AI-powered real-time insights, and operate without human intervention—a capability that could save countless lives in emergencies and enhance operational effectiveness on the battlefield.
With its focus on affordability, ease of use, and rugged design, DefendEye is rapidly positioning itself as a global leader in autonomous aerial systems for the next generation of public safety, military, and infrastructure applications.
For more information, visit www.defendeye.com or contact info@defendeye.com.
Umair Aslam is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Defense Insight. He has worked as a defense journalist reporting on military modernization programs, defense industry, arms procurement, and emerging technologies.
