Mission Environments
Defense and Security Operations with Tethered Drones

WHY OUR TETHERED DRONES
Are Trusted for Defense Missions

Our tethered drone systems have earned the trust of the U.S. Army and Navy by proving reliable in harsh and contested environments where uninterrupted communications and ISR are mission-critical.

  • Proven with the U.S. Army & Navy
  • MIL-STD-810H Ruggedness
  • Persistent Mission Endurance
  • Secure Communications Backbone
  • Rapid Deployment & Ease of Use
  • Adaptable Payload Support

MIL-STD-810H Testing for Shock & Vibration

ARMY & NAVY
Operational Integration

Since 2017, DPI’s LANTERN tethered UAS has supported the U.S. Army through deployments at NATO exercises in Poland, Romania, and Germany, where it collected Direction Finding SIGINT data from unmanned ground vehicles. The Ground Vehicle Systems Center continues to fund LANTERN’s maturation, recognizing its rugged MIL-STD-810H design purpose-built for ground combat environments.

In parallel, the U.S. Navy has relied on UMAR systems across multiple ships and exercises—including IMX23 with the Royal Navy, long-endurance demonstrations, and system deliveries to NAVSEA and NAWCAD—demonstrating proven maritime performance and sustained operational value.

BORDER & HOMELAND SECURITY

Our tethered drone systems provide persistent overwatch and secure communications for critical security missions, making them a force multiplier for Border Patrol, Homeland Security, and Port Security operations. By delivering continuous surveillance, extending line-of-sight communications, and carrying mission-specific payloads, our systems help agencies detect, monitor, and respond to threats faster and more effectively—whether along remote borders, within crowded ports, or in high-risk urban environments. References to Border Patrol, Homeland Security, and Port Security are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by DHS or its components.

Learn more about Border Security operations through our Border Security brochure

USE CASES
for Defense and Security Operations

Convo ISR

Mobile C2

Communications Relay

OTH Mine Countermeasures

Maritime Communications Relay

Convo ISR

LANTERN is the optimal companion for Convoy ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, delivering persistent, elevated situational awareness while on the move. Its rapid deployment and stable, tethered connection ensure uninterrupted ISR feeds, even in challenging environments. By integrating seamlessly with convoy platforms, LANTERN extends line-of-sight for detection and tracking, enabling faster, more informed decision-making across the convoy route.

Mobile Command & Control

The LANTERN tethered UAS enhances mobile command and control (C2) by providing a persistent, elevated communications and ISR node that moves with the mission. As convoys or tactical teams advance, LANTERN maintains a reliable tethered link for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, real-time video, and data relay. This mobility ensures commanders can make rapid, informed decisions in dynamic operational environments without sacrificing connectivity or situational awareness.

Remote Communications Relay

LANTERN provides a reliable communications relay in remote and rugged environments where traditional networks fail. By elevating radios above the terrain, LANTERN extends line-of-sight coverage, enabling secure voice, data, and video links over long distances. This capability is ideal for border patrol agents operating in isolated regions and military units conducting missions in SATCOM- or comms-denied areas, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity when it matters most.