Israeli company unveils new surveillance drone as it targets production of 1,000 units a year
Aero Sentinel is investing millions of shekels to scale up production of its backpack-sized SeniX surveillance drone, which is already being used by an IDF special unit. The company also plans to introduce visual navigation technology designed to reduce reliance on GPS in jammed environments.
Israeli defense drone manufacturer Aero Sentinel is preparing to unveil its new tactical surveillance drone, the SeniX, as it moves toward mass production backed by an investment of several million shekels. The funding will go toward manufacturing infrastructure and the procurement of camera systems, with the aim of expanding production capacity, strengthening the supply chain and lowering costs.
Aero Sentinel, a subsidiary of Tel Aviv-listed Veloryx, has set a target of reaching annual production capacity of approximately 1,000 drones by 2029. The company hopes to offer an Israeli alternative to a market increasingly dominated by Chinese-made systems.
By 2027, Aero Sentinel plans to integrate visual-based navigation capabilities into the SeniX, reducing its reliance on satellite navigation systems such as GPS. The technology is intended to allow the drone to operate in environments where satellite signals are jammed or otherwise disrupted.
The SeniX is designed for tactical surveillance and intelligence gathering. It has a low acoustic signature intended to make it harder to detect during covert operations, an endurance of approximately 70 to 80 minutes, a communication range of up to 10 kilometers, and imaging systems for both daytime and nighttime operations. Designed to fit into a soldier's backpack, it can also be deployed rapidly in the field.
According to the company, the drone is already being used by a special IDF unit and has served as an intelligence-gathering platform during major exercises conducted by Rafael internationally.
During these exercises, the SeniX was integrated with Rafael's Spike family of missiles to support precision-strike capabilities, including beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations. The drone transmits real-time visual data and updates that can help identify and verify targets, improve strike accuracy and support engagements in complex operational environments.
Aero Sentinel is seeking to expand its presence in the international drone market, offering militaries and security agencies what it describes as an advanced Israeli-made solution at a competitive price. Its push comes amid growing concerns about information security and cyber risks associated with some drone systems, as well as efforts by governments to reduce their dependence on foreign suppliers in sensitive defense sectors.
