The Norwegian company Kitemill AS has joined NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster with technology designed to provide persistent airborne surveillance, communications and sensor capabilities. The company is developing the Kitewall platform, an autonomous tethered drone system built for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Based in Voss, Kitemill combines drone technology with kite principles to create systems capable of remaining airborne for extended periods without relying on conventional battery endurance. By harvesting energy through the kite principle, the platform is designed to operate with high endurance while carrying heavier payloads than traditional drones.

Thomas Hårklau, Kitemill CEO and Founder. Photo: K2 grunderlab/South Coast Creative

According to the company, the Kitewall platform is intended for applications where a persistent elevated vantage point is critical, including surveillance operations, communications relay and sensor deployment.

– We are building a platform that we believe can be highly relevant for both defence and security applications where persistent airborne presence is critical. Through NORDSEC, we want to expand our network, engage with defence customers and contribute to collaborative projects across the cluster, says Thomas Hårklau.

Kitemill also brings extensive experience from the European funding landscape and sees opportunities to contribute as a partner in future innovation calls and collaborative development projects.