Teledyne FLIR Defense Expands Payload Program with Emesent LiDAR Integration — TELEDYNE FLIR DEFENSE, INC.

Event summary

Teledyne FLIR Defense certified Emesent’s Hovermap LiDAR payload for integration into its unmanned systems on April 28, 2026.
The partnership enables GPS-denied 3D mapping across Teledyne FLIR’s UAS, ground robots, and radiation detection platforms.
Hovermap will be integrated with SkyRanger R70/R80D UAS, SUGV 325 ground robot, and MUVE R430 radiation detection payload.
Both companies are developing autonomous navigation capabilities and expanding multi-sensor fusion for CBRN detection.

The big picture

This partnership addresses critical gaps in GPS-denied environments, particularly for CBRN missions. It reflects an industry trend toward open-architecture ecosystems that enable rapid integration of third-party technologies. The collaboration positions both companies to capitalize on growing demand for advanced unmanned systems in defense and public safety sectors.

What we're watching

Integration Success: How quickly Teledyne FLIR Defense can scale Hovermap integration across its product line.
Market Adoption: Whether defense and public safety sectors will widely adopt GPS-denied mapping solutions.
Technological Advancements: The pace at which autonomous navigation capabilities develop between the two companies.