Granta Autonomy, a Lithuanian startup specializing in autonomous UAVs for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, has successfully completed a €1 million seed funding round. Led by ScaleWolf VC, with participation from Brolis Defence and HFL Holdings, the funding will support the development and production of Granta’s lightweight surveillance UAVs, micro gimbals, and digital Datalink software. The company’s technology has been tested over Ukraine’s front lines and is intended to aid armed forces in complex reconnaissance missions.
Founded in 2015 by former military engineers Gediminas Guoba and Laurynas Litvinas, Granta Autonomy produces hand-launched UAVs and lightweight micro gimbals for NATO forces. Their micro gimbals, noted for being the lightest direct drive gimbals on the market, feature powerful cameras capable of capturing clear images from up to 5 kilometers away and providing thermal vision for nighttime operations.
The company recently introduced the Hornet XR, a mini reconnaissance UAV designed for covert missions. The Hornet XR offers silent flight for up to 3 hours, covering distances up to 160 kilometers. Its autonomous operation is assured even in radio silence or GNSS-denied environments, and it can land using a deep-stall method, making it easy to retrieve. The UAV’s compact, modular design allows for convenient transport.
The micro gimbal systems, GS-214X and GS-218X, enhance the Hornet XR and other drones with capabilities to capture long-distance images during the day and include a thermal camera for night missions. Granta Autonomy’s Digital Datalink software ensures compatibility with most Ground Control Station software.
Edvinas Kerza, ScaleWolf VC’s Managing Partner and former Vice Minister of Lithuanian MoD, expressed confidence in Granta Autonomy’s technology and vision, highlighting its potential to revolutionize reconnaissance missions for armed forces.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Granta Autonomy has been supplying UAVs to the Ukrainian front, funded by Lithuanian and other European defense ministries. Their technology is also in use by NATO forces across Europe.
