Redwire, through its subsidiary Edge Autonomy, will deliver Penguin C VTOL UAS equipped with Octopus imaging payloads to strengthen Croatia’s border monitoring capabilities under a Frontex-supported program. These drones will help authorities oversee vast and challenging border areas while improving detection of smuggling, illegal crossings, and emergency situations. The Penguin C system has a strong operational history across Europe, having been deployed for persistent surveillance in countries such as Greece and Poland. The VTOL capability removes the need for runways, while the advanced gimbal cameras provide real-time, high-resolution imagery to border control operators. Croatia has used UAVs like the Schiebel Camcopter S-100 and eBee drones previously, but the new VTOL platforms offer improved endurance and rapid-response capability. The procurement complements national investments in maritime radar upgrades and improved UAV-data integration for border command operations.
