Argentina's Defence Ministry Launches Tender for Heavy-Lift and Reconnaissance Drones

The Argentine Ministry of Defence has announced a new tender aimed at expanding the armed forces' unmanned capabilities. Under the programme titled “Acquisition of Integrated Logistic Employment Systems”, the ministry plans to purchase a small batch of drones - two units for reconnaissance and two for heavy cargo transport - marking the first acquisition of a UAV designed for substantial payloads.

## Reconnaissance Drone Requirements

The tender calls for a reconnaissance UAV whose technical profile mirrors the DJI Matrice 4, a system already in service with the Argentine armed forces. The specification requires an integrated electro-optical sensor suite, comprising both an optical camera and a thermal imager, to support day-and-night surveillance missions. No further performance figures are disclosed, but the reference to the Matrice 4 suggests a multi-rotor platform with advanced flight stability and data link capabilities.

## Heavy-Lift Drone Specifications

The most novel element of the tender concerns the heavy-lift UAV, a category not previously pursued by the ministry. The procurement seeks two examples of a drone comparable to DJI’s FlyCart 100, a model introduced in late 2025. The technical requirements are summarised in the table below:

| Specification | Minimum Requirement | |---|---| | Payload capacity | 85 kg | | Maximum take-off weight | >150 kg | | Endurance (flight time) | >14 minutes | | Operational range | >12 km | | Cable length for suspended load | 10 - 30 m | | Parachute opening radius | ≤100 m | | Obstacle-detection suite | LiDAR, front and rear radar, Quad-vision system, FPV camera | | Data-link range | >20 km |

The heavy-lift drones must feature subsystems for suspended cargo transport and an advanced winch, each capable of handling the 85 kg payload. Cable lengths are required to range from ten to over thirty metres, and a dedicated parachute system must be provided, with an opening radius not exceeding one hundred metres. For situational awareness, the UAVs must carry a basic sensor suite that includes LiDAR, forward and rear-facing radar, a Quad-vision system, and a first-person-view camera. The communication link between the aircraft and its ground control station must support distances beyond twenty kilometres.

## Context and Expected Use

According to DJI, the FlyCart 100 was engineered for operation in demanding environments, capable of navigating mountainous terrain and over water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and bays. The manufacturer positions the platform as a versatile logistic tool for both civil-protection missions and military operations. The Argentine ministry’s interest aligns with broader trends, as similar heavy-lift drones have been employed in the Ukrainian conflict for logistical support and, in some cases, offensive roles.

The limited acquisition of two heavy-lift units suggests an initial trial phase, during which the armed forces will evaluate performance, reliability, and integration with existing logistics chains. Successful testing could pave the way for larger scale procurement, potentially reshaping the way the Argentine military conducts supply missions in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

## Next Steps

The tender process is now open, and interested manufacturers must submit proposals that meet the outlined specifications. The ministry has not disclosed a timeline for evaluation or contract award. Stakeholders will be watching closely, as the outcome may signal Argentina’s broader strategic shift toward greater reliance on unmanned systems for both reconnaissance and logistical support.