KRAKOW, POLAND – August 14, 2025 – DefendEye, a Polish technology company specializing in autonomous AI-powered drones, has announced the integration of Starlink Mini satellite connectivity into its tube-launched search drones. This development enables seamless global operation for critical search and rescue, public safety, and defense missions, particularly in areas lacking cellular infrastructure.
The integration, announced on August 13, removes the reliance on traditional cellular coverage, allowing DefendEye drones to stream live, high-definition video to command centers and mobile users anywhere in the world, from cities to deserts, mountains, or offshore environments. Fully integrated systems and demo kits are expected to begin shipping in September 2025.
Enhancing Remote Aerial Awareness with Satellite Connectivity
The core benefit of this integration lies in extending the operational reach of DefendEye’s already highly autonomous drones. “Embedding Starlink Mini inside our launch-tube removes the last barrier to true go-anywhere aerial awareness,” stated James Buchheim, CEO of DefendEye. This means first responders, search and rescue teams, and military units can deploy these drones in the most remote locations and transmit live video to any control room, even enabling launches from across the globe.
Historically, drones operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) in remote areas have faced challenges with consistent and high-bandwidth communication. Satellite internet, like Starlink, offers a powerful solution by providing extensive and resilient global coverage irrespective of terrain or terrestrial infrastructure. While satellite communication terminals can be bulky for smaller drones, the compact nature of Starlink Mini addresses this concern for DefendEye’s lightweight platforms.
The Autonomous DefendEye Drone System
DefendEye, founded in 2023, specializes in fully autonomous, AI-driven drones designed for rapid response and surveillance. These drones are launched from compact, tube-based containers and are operational in under 10 seconds, requiring no pilot, pre-flight calibration, or remote control.
Key features of the DefendEye autonomous search drone include:
- Rapid Deployment: Launch-ready in under 10 seconds, with no pre-flight setup or training required.
- AI-Powered Autonomy: Onboard AI, supported by a 2 TOPS neural processor, enables detection, identification, tracking, and following of humans day or night, in various weather conditions, without external control. The AI can identify humans 10 times faster and more accurately than the human eye.
- Real-time Video Streaming: Encrypted high-definition video streams directly to DefendEye’s cloud-based Command Center, providing instant situational awareness.
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighing under 250 grams, the ultra-light airframe often bypasses the need for pilot licensing in many jurisdictions.
- Dual-Use Versatility: The platform is suitable for both military and civilian applications, including law enforcement, military ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), fire & rescue, and search & rescue operations.
- Cost-Effective: Priced affordably at US $599 per unit, the system allows agencies to deploy fleets at a fraction of the cost of traditional UAV solutions, with no training or pilot overhead.
Starlink Mini: A Game-Changer for Portable Connectivity
Starlink Mini is a portable satellite internet device, roughly the size and weight of a laptop, integrating a satellite dish and Wi-Fi router. It operates on SpaceX’s constellation of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, providing high-speed connectivity with low latency. It can deliver speeds of up to 110 Mbps with a latency of approximately 26 ms, and some tests have shown download speeds around 100 Mbps with 23 ms latency.
The compact design and low power consumption of Starlink Mini make it ideal for mobile and remote connectivity. It can be powered by a portable USB battery and is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including snow, sleet, heavy rain, and winds. While the DefendEye system primarily leverages Starlink Mini for satellite connectivity, it also supports an optional 4G/5G modem for operation in areas with cellular coverage.
Impact on Search and Rescue, Public Safety, and Defense
This integration marks a significant advancement for operations in disconnected environments. The ability to launch an autonomous drone from a portable tube and immediately establish global, high-bandwidth connectivity empowers teams to:
- Expedite Search and Rescue: Rapidly scan vast, remote, or hazardous areas for missing persons, even in complete darkness or fog, and stream real-time thermal and optical imagery to decision-makers.
- Enhance Public Safety: Provide immediate situational awareness for law enforcement in crime scene monitoring or suspect tracking, and for fire and rescue teams by offering aerial views of fire scenes.
- Boost Defense Capabilities: Offer tactical ISR in contested or remote areas, perimeter patrols, and support for dismounted troops, without reliance on vulnerable ground infrastructure.
DefendEye is currently conducting live demonstrations for select customers and is accepting orders for the new system. The company’s focus on affordability, ease of use, and rugged design, combined with global satellite connectivity, positions it as a leader in autonomous aerial systems for next-generation public safety, military, and infrastructure applications.
