Finnish defense company Patria has joined forces with Estonia’s ACC Innovation to co-develop and militarize a large quadcopter drone aimed at enhancing tactical mobility for NATO forces. The collaboration focuses on adapting the Thunder Wasp GT, a heavy-lift drone platform, for defense applications.

According to Defence Industry Europe, the partnership seeks to deliver a robust and reliable drone system capable of supporting a wide range of military logistics and tactical support missions. The drone will be tailored for NATO member countries, with specific emphasis on enhancing operational flexibility in complex environments.

Army Recognition reported that the Thunder Wasp GT is being modified to meet military-grade performance standards, allowing it to transport supplies, equipment, and potentially perform casualty evacuation tasks. The drone’s vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities make it especially suitable for confined or rugged terrain where conventional transport vehicles may struggle.

As noted by Defence Blog, the platform is expected to offer significant payload capacity and extended endurance, helping reduce dependency on manned transport in high-risk zones. The co-development effort also aligns with NATO’s push to integrate unmanned systems into its tactical and logistical frameworks.

EDR Magazine mentioned that this collaboration is not only about drone production but also about establishing long-term cooperation between the two companies to support innovation in European defense. The project is seen as a strategic step toward fielding indigenous unmanned solutions within the NATO ecosystem. With growing demand for autonomous logistics capabilities on the battlefield, the militarized Thunder Wasp GT aims to serve as a critical enabler for agile and resilient operations in future conflict scenarios.