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TRL Defense Is Changing the Defence Supply Model, Offering Nations Greater Sovereignty

22.10.2026

Rather than simply supplying a drone or satellite, the aim is to give customers the ability to manufacture and operate the technology themselves and make use of the data it generates. Czech technology company TRL Defense, which brings together TRL Space’s satellite systems and TRL Drones’ unmanned defence systems, unveiled a new model at the Future Forces Forum. It combines local production of unmanned aerial systems, sovereign satellite data and integrated analysis of both. The approach gives nations greater control over the technologies and information on which their defence capabilities depend.

Modern defence increasingly depends on sovereignty: the ability to manufacture equipment, replace it quickly, develop it further and, above all, retain control over the data it generates. Ideally, all of this should be achievable rapidly and through a local supply chain.

“We do not want to simply deliver a drone or satellite to a customer and consider our job done. Our aim is to transfer capabilities that customers can develop independently over the long term – from manufacturing and operating the equipment to collecting and processing their own data,” says Petr Boháček, CEO of TRL Defense.

Not Just Buying Drones, but Being Able to Manufacture Them

TRL Defense aims to enable nations to manufacture their own unmanned aerial systems. In addition to ready-made aircraft, the company offers technology transfer, including manufacturing processes, the necessary equipment and training, so that customers can gradually take on part of the production themselves. 3D printing plays an important role in this model. It allows UAV components to be manufactured locally, accelerates production and simplifies repairs and the replacement of damaged parts.

One example is Mapper, a reconnaissance drone designed for mapping, surveillance and real-time intelligence gathering. Its design incorporates 3D-printed components, enabling faster production, easier maintenance and replacement of parts in the field. Mapper weighs 5.5 kg, has a range of 70 kilometres and an endurance of approximately 50 minutes, and can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h.

“The most important factors in modern defence procurement are scalability, self-sufficiency, resilience and, of course, the economics of defence technologies. Our offering of 3D-printed

drones and advanced satellites brings these critical elements together in a single solution, significantly enhancing the capabilities of security forces,” explains Petr Kapoun, CEO of TRL Space.

Satellite programmes developed by TRL Space are another essential part of the concept. Their purpose is to enable customers to acquire their own data without having to rely solely on external providers.

One example is TRACE, an Earth observation satellite that provides imagery for security and defence applications. TRL Space sees TRACE as another layer in a broader intelligence chain that also incorporates data from unmanned aerial systems. In practice, a satellite can provide a wider view of an area of interest, while a drone can then supply more detailed information directly at the scene.

One Screen Instead of Multiple Separate Systems

The central idea behind the solution is to bring different data sources together in a single software environment. TRL Defense can combine information from satellites and unmanned aerial systems and process it to provide customers with a unified picture of the situation on one screen. Secure communications technologies and AI-powered imagery analysis are also part of this integrated system.

“We want to reach a point where customers no longer have to source individual parts of a system from different suppliers and then work out how to connect them. We offer an integrated, operational solution that spans from space to assets deployed directly in the field, while ensuring that customers retain control over the entire system,” concludes Petr Boháček.

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About TRL Defense

TRL Defense is the defence brand of the TRL Group, holding its own export licence and bringing together TRL Space’s satellite systems and TRL Drones’ unmanned systems. TRL Space specialises in developing and delivering satellite technologies and complete space missions, while TRL Drones develops unmanned aerial systems.

Media Contact

Patricie Reisnerová
PR Manager
+420 724 950 700
[email protected]

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