Paladin Unveils Knighthawk 2.0 Drone for Emergency Response
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Paladin Unveils Knighthawk 2.0 Drone for Emergency Response

The new autonomous drone aims to modernize public safety with a 70-second response time.

2/6/2026
Yassin El Hardouz
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The public safety technology firm Paladin has announced the launch of Knighthawk 2.0, its newest autonomous, NDAA-compliant drone. This advanced Drone as a First Responder (DFR) system is engineered to modernize emergency services by providing critical real-time intelligence. By reaching incident scenes in as little as 70 seconds, the technology offers a vital advantage in situations where every moment is critical for ensuring safer outcomes for communities and first responders alike.


Advanced Capabilities for Rapid Response

The Knighthawk 2.0 is engineered for high performance in demanding situations, boasting an extended flight time of over 40 minutes. It is equipped with a sophisticated camera suite, including 4K wide, zoom, and 640p thermal imaging capabilities for comprehensive visual data. This allows emergency personnel to maintain constant situational awareness through its unlimited-range 5G and LTE connectivity, ensuring a clear and immediate view of any developing event.

Built for resilience, the drone operates effectively across diverse terrains and in unpredictable weather conditions, ensuring mission readiness at all times. Its flight is guided by advanced sensors, precision GPS, and sophisticated obstacle avoidance systems, enabling safe and fully autonomous flight paths. These features combine to deliver unmatched speed and precision, making it a reliable tool for critical incidents where accuracy and speed are paramount.

A New Era for Public Safety Infrastructure

This technology represents a fundamental upgrade to public safety infrastructure, facilitating a shift from reactive to proactive emergency management. By providing an immediate aerial perspective of a scene, the drone helps reduce risks for human responders before they arrive on site. This advanced awareness enables emergency services to make faster, more informed decisions, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and better protecting communities.

The integration of DFR technology like Knighthawk 2.0 modernizes how cities and countries approach emergency response on a systemic level. It allows for the strategic deployment of resources, ensuring that personnel and equipment are sent where they are most needed based on real-time information. This data-driven approach not only helps save lives but also optimizes the allocation of public safety budgets for greater community impact.

Global Collaboration and Deployment

Paladin is extending the reach of its DFR technology internationally, with deployments already active in the United States, India, and Portugal. A key element of this global strategy is a new partnership with Beyond Vision, a Portuguese manufacturer of NATO-compliant UAV systems. This collaboration merges Paladin’s comprehensive DFR software solution with Beyond Vision’s hardware expertise to serve a worldwide market.

The alliance with Beyond Vision is particularly significant as it combines Paladin's operational systems with hardware that meets stringent international standards. This synergy ensures that global clients receive a fully integrated, autonomous, and compliant solution ready for immediate deployment. The partnership is being highlighted at the World Defense Show, where both companies are sharing a booth to demonstrate their combined capabilities to a global audience.

A Vision for a Safer Future

Paladin's CEO, Divyaditya Shrivastava, emphasized the foundational role of public safety in modern society and the company's core mission. "Public safety is the backbone of modern civilization," he stated, adding that the company is excited to help build safer cities globally. This vision underscores the company's commitment to leveraging technology to create a secure environment where communities can thrive with confidence in their emergency services.


The introduction of Knighthawk 2.0 marks a significant advancement in autonomous systems for emergency services, promising to redefine response protocols. With its rapid deployment capabilities, robust technical specifications, and strategic global partnerships, Paladin is positioning itself as a key innovator in modernizing public safety. The drone's debut at the World Defense Show offers a tangible glimpse into the future of first response, where technology is integral to saving lives.