Norwegian drone company Aviant develops technology for autonomous logistics and ISR. With experience from long-range autonomous operations in demanding Nordic conditions, the company brings UAV technology and operational expertise into NORDSEC.
Aviant develops an end-to-end drone platform for autonomous logistics and ISR, combining drones with the technology and systems required to operate autonomous services.
The company was founded in 2020 by Lars Erik Fagernæs, Herman Øie Kolden and Bernhard Paus Græsdal. An early focus was medical logistics, including the transportation of samples between hospitals and laboratories.
In 2021, Aviant carried out an autonomous 120-kilometre flight between Trondheim and Røros. Since then, the company has built operational experience from thousands of flights in Scandinavian conditions and used its drones for assignments ranging from medical logistics to industrial operations.
The technology has also moved from pilot projects to commercial services. Aviant has used drones to transport blood samples, COVID samples, water and milk samples, as well as equipment for wind farms. The company has also worked with drone-based food delivery.
Lars Erik Fagernæs, CEO of Aviant. Photo: Aviant
Relevant for defence and security
This experience is increasingly relevant in a defence and security context. In its NORDSEC application, Aviant describes its core activity as an "end-to-end drone platform for autonomous logistics and ISR".
ISR, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, is a key application area for unmanned systems. Autonomous logistics can also reduce the need to use personnel and conventional vehicles for transport in areas where access is difficult or time is critical.
For Aviant, joining NORDSEC provides an opportunity to connect with companies, experts and end users working with defence, security and dual-use technology.
– We want access to the ecosystem, experts, end users and potential partners and clients, says CEO Lars Erik Fagernæs.
At the same time, Aviant wants to contribute experience from developing and operating UAV technology, as well as from building a Norwegian technology company with international ambitions.
– We can contribute knowledge of UAVs and related systems, as well as experience from building a company in Norway and expanding globally, says Fagernæs.
For NORDSEC, Aviant adds expertise in autonomous aviation, drone operations and logistics to an ecosystem where unmanned systems are becoming increasingly important.