Granta Hornet

Hornet
Hornet XR model
TypeLoitering munition
Place of originLithuania
Service history
In service2024–present
WarsRussian invasion of Ukraine
Production history
ManufacturerGranta Autonomy
Produced2023–present
VariantsGranta Hornet
Granta Hornet XR
Specifications

Operational
range
Standard: 60 km (37 mi)
XR: 160 km (99 mi)
Guidance
system
Autonomous; manual

Granta Hornet is a compact, hand-launched reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Lithuanian defense technology firm Granta Autonomy.

Development

Founded in 2015 by former military engineers Gediminas Guoba and Laurynas Litvinas, Granta Autonomy initially focused on software development before expanding into UAVs following the Russian annexation of Crimea.

The company has since emphasized battlefield-tested innovation, conducting real-world trials over Ukraine’s front lines to refine its technologies.[1]

Following seed funding of €1 million in July 2024—led by ScaleWolf VC, Brolis Defence, and HFL Holdings—Granta accelerated development and production of its Hornet drones, gimbal systems, and datalink software to support NATO forces.[2]

Design

Known for its stealth, autonomy, and portability, the Hornet drone is designed for front-line intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

The Hornet drone is capable of executing missions even in GPS-denied or electronically contested environments.

Users

See also

References

  1. ^ A NATO drone maker is testing its weapons in Ukraine — with its CEO actually heading to the battlefield to see it firsthand
  2. ^ LITHUANIAN DRONE STARTUP GRANTA AUTONOMY EMERGES FROM STEALTH WITH €1M SEED FUNDING ROUND
  3. ^ "Granta Autonomy". Talk About Future. 2025-06-17. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  4. ^ Eurosatory 2024: Granta Autonomy personally testing its mini-UAVs over Ukraine’s front lines