Czech Developers Create Integrated Drone-Satellite Surveillance System

A group of Czech technology companies — TRL Space, TRL Drones, Zaitra, and Corac Engineering — has introduced a new intelligence platform that integrates data from both reconnaissance drones and satellites.

Representatives of TRL Space discussed the system with Militarnyi at the IDET 2025 international defense exhibition in Brno.

The system is designed for surveillance and border protection.

The integrated platform combines four core components: the TRAP optical satellite, an electric VTOL drone, a jet-powered drone with autonomous navigation, and the TRULY cloud platform.

The TRAP satellite provides high-resolution, wide-area imagery, while the drone conducts targeted, close-range reconnaissance. Both data streams are processed within the TRULY software platform, where they are automatically analyzed and evaluated.

TRULY allows users to monitor activity in real time, track historical changes, define custom zones of interest, and receive automatic alerts about suspicious movements. The system can identify objects such as aircraft, vehicles, and ships, and visualize changes to support early threat detection.

The TRAP satellite was developed as a compact and cost-effective alternative to conventional military or commercial satellites. Despite its small size — 80 × 40 × 40 cm — it can generate high-resolution images valued at tens of millions of euros annually.

“Many countries today rely on commercial satellite data, which isn’t always accessible or affordable,” said TRL Space CEO Petr Kapun. “We believe border protection should be a right, not a privilege. That’s why we’re bringing TRAP to market — a high-resolution microsatellite that enables national independence and pays for itself quickly. For the cost of one traditional satellite, a customer can deploy an entire TRAP constellation and achieve full coverage.”

The TRAP satellite includes on-board AI developed by Zaitra, enabling real-time data processing in space. Encrypted communications between the satellite and ground stations are secured by Corac Engineering’s encryption systems.

Satellite reconnaissance is complemented by localized surveillance from an electric VTOL drone built by TRL Drones. Thanks to its vertical takeoff and landing capability, it can operate without airport infrastructure and be deployed in difficult terrain.

The drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 24 kg, a range of up to 200 km, a flight time of up to four hours, and a top speed of 38 meters per second. It is equipped with day and night cameras and can operate without GNSS by using an inertial navigation system.

“In my view, the ability to integrate multiple layers of surveillance and response into a single system is extremely valuable,” said Ladislav Stal, Advisor for Space Intelligence and Security at NATO Headquarters. “You have a satellite providing situational awareness across an entire area of interest, and a flexible drone for detailed inspection. If a response is needed, an autonomous vehicle can be deployed immediately.”