French military forces have successfully tested a drone-based system capable of detecting and locating drone operators from the air during a contested electromagnetic exercise.
Sky Spy and Evolve Dynamics announced their partnership on May 29, 2026, to integrate the SkyAgent 001 signals intelligence payload on the Sky Mantis 2 rotary-wing unmanned aircraft system. The collaboration followed a demonstration conducted as part of the GALENE exercise organized by France's Cyber Defence Command in May 2026.
The airborne SIGINT system detected, classified, and geolocated all high-priority radio frequency emitters in an electromagnetic capture-the-flag scenario. Operators used the platform to identify drone control stations, jammers, and other emitters at extended ranges beyond those achievable with ground-based sensors alone.
Lieutenant-colonel Élie Fontana, Head of GCEM Unit at COMCYBER, stated that the demonstration showed clear operational potential for tactical spectrum awareness in modern military operations. The results highlighted the value of extending collection capabilities into contested airspace where ground teams face restricted access.
The Sky Mantis 2 platform provided the endurance and sensor positioning required to maintain line-of-sight collection over varied terrain. Integration of the SkyAgent 001 payload allows real-time classification of emitter types while the aircraft remains at safe standoff distances.
Security professionals tracking drone threats in urban or border environments face similar challenges locating operators who remain hidden behind buildings or terrain. Airborne SIGINT extends the sensor horizon and reduces exposure of ground teams to counter-detection.
Evolve Dynamics confirmed the payload integration maintains full flight performance of the Sky Mantis 2 while adding dedicated spectrum monitoring channels. The companies are now preparing additional flight trials focused on urban clutter and multi-emitter environments.
