Ukrainian-Estonian Defencetech Black Forest Systems Secures $400K To Expand Infantry Drone Platform

Founded in 2024, the company develops vertically integrated unmanned systems and tactical drone platforms designed for infantry and Special Operations Forces operating in forward positions.

Black Forest Systems integrates proprietary electronics, secure communications and control software into unified platforms built for simplicity, safety, and rapid deployment. The systems are designed to be easy to operate, allowing soldiers with little or no drone piloting experience to use them effectively after minimal training.

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“Our mission is to shift complexity from the operator to the technology itself,” says Oleksandr Davydenko, CEO of BFS.

“We build systems that simplify decision-making and give every infantryman access to advanced unmanned capabilities.”

The company’s flagship system, SHADOX, is a compact reconnaissance platform built for rapid deployment and close-range operations. Its protected propeller design allows it to be safely used in confined environments such as buildings and trenches.

The system features self-stabilisation and does not require FPV piloting skills, enabling operators to become proficient in under 30 minutes. It includes a proprietary remote control unit and uses encrypted, low-profile communications designed to operate effectively in electronic warfare (EW)-contested environments.

Unlike traditional FPV drones that rely on specialised external operators Black Forest Systems aims to deliver autonomous drone capabilities directly to infantry units. By reducing cognitive load and simplifying deployment, the platform enables soldiers to operate advanced drone systems without extensive piloting experience.

A key differentiator is the company’s vertically integrated approach with both hardware and software developed in-house. This allows full control over performance, security, supply chain resilience and future scalability into broader unmanned and robotic systems.

The investment expands Front Ventures’ and Hede Capital’s exposure to the defence technology and autonomous systems sector, an industry experiencing strong structural growth, rapid innovation cycles and rising geopolitical significance.

According to Alex Winter, CTO, Black Forest Systems, the round will allow the company to industrialise SHADOX from engineering refinement to production readiness and structured military deployment.

“Together with investors Front Ventures’and Hede Capital Partners, we are building the scale and structural foundation required for a long-term defence technology platform.”