Rheinmetall supplying Ukraine with new batch of SurveilSpire reconnaissance systems

4 October, 2023 SurveilSPIRE mobile surveillance system platform. Frame from DefSecIntel video Rheinmetall has begun delivering a new batch of SurveilSpire reconnaissance systems to Ukraine.

The company stated that the order for Ukraine was paid for by the German government. "The order is in the two-digit million-euro range. The order was placed by the German government," Rheinmetall said.

The SurveilSpire drone defense system is designed for reconnaissance and countering enemy drones. The reconnaissance systems consist of mobile surveillance towers with day- and night-capable camera equipment, autopiloted mini drones, and a control system.

Cameras of the SurveilSPIRE system. Frame from DefSecIntel video

These systems are used, among other things, to monitor areas of the terrain. The system can also provide a 5G network.

Rheinmetall cooperates on the project with the Estonian company DefSecIntel. "Delivery has already begun," the German company said. Only three people are required to deploy the system.

The system transmits video to the mobile command post wirelessly using 4G or Starlink.

Operation of the SurveilSPIRE monitoring system. Source: DefSecIntel

Solar panels allow SurveilSpire to extend its operating time. The system also uses reconnaissance drones on autopilot that can conduct patrol flights.

The received information is processed by special software and artificial intelligence.

SurveilSPIRE system drone.

Source: DefSecIntel

The transfer of the first of these systems was announced in February 2023.

Back then, the German government also paid for SurveilSpire for Ukraine.