▲▲▲
▲▲ ▲▲
▲▲ ▲▲
▲▲ ▲▲
││
││
││
Zenith Alpine Recon Drone

ZARD

Alpine ISR & SAR Platform

Next-generation multi-role UAV designed for extreme alpine environments. Swiss engineering. European sovereignty. Mission-critical operations.

Platform Overview

Zenith Alpine
Recon Drone

ZARD is a next-generation, multi-role UAV designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Search & Rescue (SAR) missions in extreme alpine environments.

Its innovative modular design, autonomous flight capabilities, and payload capacity make it an ideal solution for diverse applications—from alpine SAR teams to Swiss and EU defense operations, including the monitoring of strategic infrastructure such as borders and energy networks.

4,500m
Max Altitude ASL
45+ min
Flight Endurance
5-30kg
Payload Capacity
100%
Weather Sealed
Strategic Objectives
Swiss-European Defense Leadership
Establishing Switzerland as a pioneering EU defense supplier
Technology Independence
Reducing reliance on non-EU technology providers
Center of Excellence
Building Swiss expertise in sophisticated unmanned solutions
Electronic Warfare Autonomy
Securing national and continental EW capabilities
Swiss Knife of UAVs
Versatile platform adaptable to multiple mission profiles
SAR Variant — Initial Deployment

Alpine Search
& Rescue

The initial SAR-focused variant targets alpine rescue operations, addressing the needs of Swiss and EU teams in mountainous regions. Proving reliability in real-world conditions before advanced defense enhancements.

01

ISR & Environmental Awareness

High-resolution EO/IR cameras and LiDAR for real-time terrain mapping, snowpack monitoring, and trail documentation.

02

Autonomous SAR

AI-driven victim detection using thermal imaging and RF beacon scanning (ARVA transceivers), with precision emergency supply delivery.

03

Modular Payload System

Dual-bay system for avalanche control charges or autonomous supply kits. 5kg capacity scalable to 20-30kg in advanced variants.

04

Autonomous Navigation

GPS and vision/sensor-guided navigation with obstacle avoidance. Autonomous mission execution with AI-driven routing.

05

Airspace Integration

Built-in obstacle detection and ADS-B for coordination with air traffic control, ensuring EASA compliance.

06

Extreme Weather Performance

Fully sealed, waterproof fuselage capable of operations in heavy rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and high winds.

Future Development — Defense Evolution

Electronic Warfare
Variants

Once the SAR variant is operational, ZARD will evolve into warfare-oriented models to meet Swiss and EU defense needs. These variants expand ZARD's role in peacekeeping and peacemaking operations.

01

Encrypted Communications Variant

Satellite-connected SatCom and encrypted RF systems for NATO/EU integration, with anti-jamming features like frequency hopping, multi-band transmission, or optic fiber wire. Addresses military priorities for secure, resilient communications.

SatComEncrypted RFAnti-JammingNATO Integration
02

ISR & Battlefield Monitoring Variant

Thermal/IR sensors and real-time data processing for border security and tactical awareness. Multi-modality sensor fusion for comprehensive battlefield intelligence gathering.

Thermal/IRReal-time ProcessingBorder Security
03

Loitering Munition Variant

Cost-effective, optic-fiber or radio frequency guided model for precision strikes. Inspired by the affordability and effectiveness of FPV drones demonstrated in Ukraine. High-impact, low-cost payload delivery.

Precision StrikeOptic FiberCost-Effective
04

Stealth ISR Model

Compact, fixed-wing design with higher altitude ceilings (4,500m+ ASL) and extended endurance (2h+). Tailored for covert surveillance operations in any theater.

Fixed-WingExtended RangeCovert Ops
05

Counter-UAS Variant

Enemy UAV detection and jamming systems, deployable or packable. Responding to the rising need for airspace defense in contested environments.

UAV DetectionEW JammingAirspace Defense
Technical Specifications

Platform
Performance

Flight & Performance

Max Altitude4,500m ASL
Flight Endurance45+ minutes
Payload Capacity5kg (MVP) → 20-30kg
Battery SystemHot-swappable
Flight Modes:
• Fast Deployment (high-speed transit)
• Energy Save (optimized consumption)
• Idle Super-Save (auto-landing)
• Autonomous Mission Execution

Sensors & Payloads

Fixed Payloads:
• EO/IR Dual-Camera System
• Thermal Imaging (night ops & SAR)
• Obstacle Detection & Terrain Mapping
Modular Bay (Hot-swap):
• High-Zoom ISR Camera
• LiDAR Sensor (Terrain/SAR)
• RF Scanning & EW Integration
Deployment System:
• Dual-bay configuration
• Standard cargo (first-aid, supplies)
• Specialized payloads (beacons, charges)

Communications & Security

Primary Link:Encrypted RF Communications
Redundant Connectivity:
• Satellite (Starlink/EU equivalent)
• Encrypted RF
• 5G backup
Anti-Jamming:
• RF noise detection
• Automatic frequency hopping
• Satellite relay failover
AI Failsafe:
• Autonomous mission completion
• Smart emergency landing
• Predefined safe zone routing

Aiming for Compliance Standards

EASA UAV Regulations
BVLOS operational compliance
NATO STANAG 4586
UAV interoperability with NATO forces
Swiss UFAC
National aviation requirements
EU Dual-Use Export
Military technology regulations
GDPR & Cybersecurity
EU data protection compliance
Manufacturing & Strategic Positioning

European Defense
Autonomy

ZARD is a flagship initiative to reshore European drone manufacturing, eliminating critical dependencies on US, Israeli, and Chinese technology providers. Building sovereign capabilities for the modern era.

The Strategic Imperative

The EU and Switzerland currently rely heavily on US and Israeli drone technology—a critical vulnerability in military procurement and operational security. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability, and export controls have exposed the fragility of this dependency.

ZARD is the first fully European alternative to platforms like Anduril's Ghost or Skydio X2, designed to be natively integrated into EU/NATO defense ecosystems with complete supply chain independence.

100%
Swiss/EU Components
Zero
External Dependencies

Swiss/EU Supply Chain

All mission-critical components sourced exclusively from Swiss and European suppliers, ensuring operational sovereignty, security compliance, and supply chain resilience. We also aim to self-produce key components in-house, particularly for rapid design iteration and testing phases. Advanced 3D printing and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technologies enable us to prototype, refine, and validate parts locally, accelerating development cycles while maintaining full control over our supply chain.

🇨🇭

Swiss Engineering Excellence

Establishing Switzerland as a pioneering defense supplier and center of excellence for unmanned systems

🇪🇺

Continental Integration

Natively designed for EU/NATO ecosystems with full interoperability and compliance standards

🔒

Operational Security

Complete control over sensitive technology, data, and mission-critical operations without external compromise

Get in Touch

Contact Us

Interested in ZARD for your operations? Reach out to discuss requirements, capabilities, and partnership opportunities.

* Required fields. Your information is handled in accordance with GDPR and EU data protection regulations.

General Inquiries
info@zenithdynamics.ch