Sky Spy and Orqa demonstrate airborne SIGINT system during NATO trials in Estonia

US-Ukrainian company Sky Spy and Croatian UAV manufacturer Orqa demonstrated a portable signals intelligence (SIGINT) system during NATO’s Exercise Spring Storm. The demonstration was organised by the Estonian Defence Forces’ Force Transformation Command with the participation of the 131st Infantry Battalion. During one of the exercise scenarios, the system detected and geolocated radio-frequency emitters in the exercise area.

For the demonstration, Sky Spy’s SkyAgent 001 system was integrated with Orqa’s MRM2-10 FPV UAV. During a simulated electromagnetic attack scenario, the system detected and geolocated hostile radio-frequency emitters in the exercise area, demonstrating the ability to extend the range of RF intelligence collection compared with ground-based systems.

The need for such systems is driven by the growing number of radio-frequency emitters on the modern battlefield, including radars, electronic warfare systems, and UAV control stations. According to Sky Spy, the exercise scenarios were shaped by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where detecting UAV control stations and electronic warfare systems has become a key element of modern combat operations.

Sky Spy said it continues to integrate its system with UAV platforms from different manufacturers through its modular architecture. The company develops autonomous SIGINT systems, while its SkyAgent payload weighs less than 700 grams, detects radio-frequency emitters at a range of approximately 5 km, and geolocates them with an accuracy of 50–75 metres.

In December 2025, Defender Media reported that Sky Spy had raised $1.6 million in funding.

Croatia’s Orqa manufactures UAV systems and components supplied to more than 50 markets, including 24 NATO member states. According to the company, its products are manufactured without Chinese components, while all key elements are designed, engineered, and produced in-house.