Estonia’s Threod Systems has launched the Eos D ISTAR at Eurosatory 2026 – a 15.5kg electric VTOL drone that brings laser target designation, long the preserve of helicopters and large platforms, down to battalion-level tactical units.
This week, the European defence industry is full of launches, as Paris hosts the continent’s biggest expo. Estonia has sent a diverse delegation, and its members are ready to showcase new projects. Threod Systems, an Estonian defence technology firm, has unveiled the Eos D ISTAR at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris – a compact, electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft designed to put a capability normally reserved for large platforms into the hands of small tactical units.
The system pairs Threod’s full-electric VTOL aircraft with the eOpic-6 ISTAR payload, combining reconnaissance with laser designation – the ability to “paint” a target with a laser so that guided munitions can home in on it. Until now, that function has typically depended on helicopters, crewed aircraft or larger uncrewed systems. The Eos D ISTAR weighs 15.5kg, carries a 2kg payload, flies for up to three hours and operates at a communication range of up to 50km and altitude of 4,500m.
The launch took place at the Estonian Pavilion (Hall 6, Stand J119), with Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur in attendance and Threod CEO Arno Vaik introducing the system.
A smaller, cheaper option
The pitch is one of accessibility rather than novelty. The eOpic-6’s laser designation has been tested and validated against a range of NATO guided projectiles, and the platform is built to interoperate with allied forces. Threod frames the system as an additional layer for battalion-level units – not a replacement for larger aircraft – that brings target confirmation and fire-control support to crews operating further from direct threat, at a cost potentially several times lower than larger platforms.
“Laser designation itself is not a new capability, but a precision-support function should not be limited to larger systems or unmanned platforms,” said Arno Vaik. “Our focus has been to bring that capability into a smaller VTOL UAS that tactical units can deploy and operate significantly more easily.”
Threod CEO Arno Vaik
The new aircraft builds on Threod’s combat-proven Eos C reconnaissance platform, which the company says has accumulated thousands of flight hours in real operations.
Lessons from Ukraine
The case for laser-guided precision draws directly on the experience gained in Ukraine. CTO Mikk Murumäe pointed to a battlefield advantage over munitions that rely on satellite signals, which can be jammed or spoofed.
“Ukrainian experience has shown that laser-guided munitions provide a clear operational advantage over other types of precision-guided munitions that rely on GNSS signals for targeting,” he said, adding that the eOpic-6 integrates a high-power laser with narrow divergence and has already demonstrated compatibility with multiple weapon systems.
Founded in 2012, Threod develops and manufactures its systems in Estonia, within the EU. Its products are in service across 27 countries, including 14 NATO member states and Ukraine.
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