Draganfly drones selected by Search and Rescue Sweden

Executive Summary

• Draganfly Inc. has deployed its unmanned aerial systems (UAS), specifically the Apex and Commander 3XL platforms, integrated with Smith Myers Artemis mobile phone detection and location systems for Search and Rescue Sweden (SAR Sweden).
• The deployment addresses recent regulatory changes in Sweden that limited certain aerial platforms, providing a compliant, high-reliability solution for public safety missions including missing-person recoveries and wilderness rescues.
• Joint flight testing validated the mechanical and software integration, stable performance in harsh weather, and end-to-end mission workflows, confirming the solution meets or exceeds operational requirements for demanding environments.

Key Details

• Partnership Entities: Draganfly Inc., Smith Myers, and Search and Rescue Sweden (SAR Sweden).
• Hardware Deployed:
  • Draganfly Apex drones (lighter, more mobile, for rapid deployment and reconnaissance).
  • Draganfly Commander 3XL drones (heavier payload, for long-endurance missions).
• Payload Technology: Smith Myers Artemis Mobile Phone Detection and Location System (MPDLS).
  • Maximum range: 35 kilometres.
  • Supports up to 48 cellular bands.
  • Modular nature allows varying form factors and weights ranging from 0.52 kg to 10 kg.
• Testing and Validation Results:
  • Successful mechanical and software integration of Artemis payloads on both Apex and Commander 3XL airframes.
  • Stable flight performance with the Artemis T-U on the 3XL in harsh weather conditions.
  • Validated end-to-end SAR mission workflows, including detection, localization, mapping, data relay, and ground-team communication coordination.
• Operational Benefits:
  • Faster deployment and wider search area coverage.
  • Enhanced detection accuracy.
  • Significantly reduced mission costs compared to traditional helicopter-based operations.
• Future Scope: Smith Myers payloads will be supported across Draganfly's full UAV platform lineup, expanding availability for police, military, fire services, and emergency response organizations.

Notable Quotes

• Richard Oesterlindh, Head of Development, SAR Sweden: "After our joint testing with Draganfly and Smith Myers, we are confident these systems will strengthen how we respond to missing-person and wilderness rescue operations across Sweden. The performance, particularly in challenging weather, exceeded expectations, and the flexibility offered by multiple payload and drone configurations will be a major asset to our teams."
• Andrew Munro, Managing Director, Smith Myers: "Completing the full integration of Artemis MPDLS across several Draganfly UAS platforms demonstrates how quickly we can deliver robust, operational capability into the uncrewed space. Starting with SAR missions alongside SAR Sweden, these systems are now positioned to support a wide range of demanding operational roles. It's an important milestone for both companies and for the customers we serve."
• Cameron Chell, Chief Executive Officer, Draganfly: "We are proud to join forces with SAR Sweden and Smith Myers to deliver next-generation aerial SAR capabilities. Our UAV platforms, combined with the Smith Myers payload architecture, offer exceptional flexibility and mission readiness. This collaboration reinforces Draganfly's commitment to supporting organizations dedicated to saving lives."