Danish defence technology company Sky-Watch has developed the Zentra Sensor Suite, an AI-enabled sensor system designed for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The in-house system combines image processing, edge computing and AI-based analytics with a modular software architecture. Sky-Watch said the design allows software updates and integration of operational feedback without requiring changes to the underlying hardware.
The Zentra suite includes electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, along with navigation sensors designed to support autonomous flight when satellite navigation signals are unavailable or unreliable.
The system supports EO/IR image fusion, super-resolution, and image enhancement for operations in fog, haze, and other low-visibility conditions. By combining these functions with onboard processing, the system is designed to provide processed imagery and situational data directly from the UAS.
Sky-Watch has developed both the hardware and software in-house, allowing the company to modify the sensor suite and integrate new capabilities without relying entirely on external component suppliers.
“We chose to develop this technology ourselves because we could not find solutions on the market that met both our own requirements and the operational needs of our defence customers. They demand superior operational performance together with the assurance that critical components originate from a resilient European and NATO-based supply chain. We can now deliver both,” said Martin Schousboe, CEO of Sky-Watch.
The modular architecture also provides an upgrade path for the UAS as sensor and software requirements change. Sky-Watch’s approach treats the aircraft, sensors, onboard software and operator interface as an integrated system rather than separate components.
“Defence is no longer just about platforms. It is about controlling the technologies that create operational effect. By developing both hardware and software ourselves, we can respond faster to emerging requirements, integrate AI more rapidly and provide our customers with greater confidence in the resilience of their supply chain,” added Schousboe.
Also Read – TEKEVER to supply AR5 UAS to Portuguese Air Force for maritime surveillance
The Zentra Sensor Suite was showcased at the DALO Industry Days in Herning, Denmark, on August 19-20, as part of Sky-Watch’s ISR portfolio. The system follows the company’s recent introduction of the RQ-70 long-range UAS, based on the RQ-35 platform and developed using operational experience from Ukraine.
For the UAS aftermarket, the modular sensor architecture provides an upgrade path for existing and future platforms, particularly as operators seek to add new imaging, navigation, and onboard processing capabilities without replacing complete aircraft systems.
