Sanford, Florida: Hoverfly Technologies, a leading U.S.-based developer of tethered unmanned aerial systems (TeUAS), in partnership with Australian defence integrator Maser Defence, has successfully delivered the Hoverfly Sentry TeUAS to an Australian Government customer for trial and evaluation. This delivery marks a significant milestone as the system is slated to participate in major Australian Defence Force (ADF) exercises throughout 2025, where it will demonstrate its advanced capabilities in demanding operational environments.
The Hoverfly Sentry represents Hoverfly’s first deployment on Australian soil, bringing its proven reliability and cutting-edge technology to the challenging and austere conditions of the Australian continent. The tethered drone system is payload agnostic, enabling it to support a wide range of missions including persistent aerial surveillance, communication network extension, and counter unmanned aerial system (cUAS) operations. Its unique ability to maintain continuous airborne presence through an uninterruptible power source—supplied via tether—sets it apart from traditional drones, offering a game-changing advantage for defence applications that require persistent situational awareness.
By integrating seamlessly with existing command and control infrastructure, the Sentry enhances battlefield awareness and supports more informed decision-making by military leaders. This capability is especially critical in modern combat scenarios where real-time intelligence and communication superiority can decisively influence outcomes.
The partnership between Hoverfly and Maser Defence was announced earlier this year in February, with Maser Defence playing a crucial role in facilitating the delivery and integration of the Sentry system into the Australian defence ecosystem. Maser Defence, a respected supplier of military communication and C4I (command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence) equipment in Australia, brings deep expertise in defence technology integration. Their involvement has ensured a smooth transition into the trial phase, allowing the Australian Government to rigorously evaluate the system’s performance under operational conditions representative of real-world missions.
The inclusion of the Hoverfly Sentry in the ADF’s 2025 exercises underscores the growing recognition of tethered UAS technology as a vital asset for enhancing force protection and battlefield awareness. Persistent aerial platforms like the Sentry provide continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities that are difficult to achieve with conventional drones limited by battery life or operational range. Moreover, tethered drones offer enhanced security by maintaining a physical connection to their power and data sources, reducing vulnerabilities to jamming or hacking.
Hoverfly’s tethered drone systems have a strong track record with the U.S. military, where over 500 units have been fielded, supporting a variety of missions including ISR, electronic warfare, and communications relay. These systems operate effectively in all weather conditions and can be deployed from stationary positions or on the move, including from vehicles and vessels. Their ability to remain airborne indefinitely while providing high-bandwidth, secure data transmission makes them invaluable in contested and GPS-denied environments.
For the ADF, the Sentry’s deployment represents a step forward in modernizing Australia’s defence capabilities. Persistent aerial surveillance and communication extension are critical for operations across Australia’s vast and often remote terrain. The Sentry’s ability to operate quietly and continuously from austere locations enhances force protection and situational awareness, providing commanders with a decisive operational edge.
Maser Defence’s role extends beyond delivery, as the company continues to support the integration of advanced C4I solutions and sensor technologies that complement the Sentry platform. Their commitment to fostering sovereign defence capabilities aligns with Australia’s broader strategic goals of technological self-reliance and enhanced operational effectiveness for its military and security forces.
The ongoing trials and evaluations of the Hoverfly Sentry within the ADF will inform future procurement and deployment decisions, shaping the trajectory of autonomous and tethered systems in Australian defence operations. As the ADF embraces next-generation technologies, tethered UAS platforms like the Sentry are expected to become key enablers of persistent, secure, and high-fidelity battlefield intelligence.
The successful delivery of the Hoverfly Sentry TeUAS to Australia marks an advancement in the country’s defence technology landscape. The collaboration between Hoverfly Technologies and Maser Defence exemplifies international partnership and innovation, bringing a proven, mission-critical capability to the modern battlefield. As the ADF tests and evaluates the system in 2025, the Sentry’s performance will likely influence the future integration of tethered drone technology into Australia’s defence and security operations.
