Lyon, France — Elistair has officially unveiled a dedicated tethered air module designed specifically for the Parrot ANAFI UKR micro-UAV, a development that promises to transform how defense forces, public safety agencies, and critical infrastructure operators conduct persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Announced on October 21, 2026, the newly introduced air module seamlessly connects Parrot’s advanced micro-UAV to Elistair’s established Safe-T and Ligh-T tether stations. By establishing a continuous physical link that supplies uninterrupted power and secure data transmission, the integrated system eliminates the traditional flight-time limitations imposed by onboard battery capacities, allowing the aircraft to maintain an over-the-horizon aerial view for hours on end without ever needing to land for a battery swap.
Designed and engineered by Elistair from its headquarters in Lyon, France, the system has been crafted with a heavy focus on operational readiness and minimal logistical footprints. According to the company, the entire setup—combining the ANAFI UKR drone with an Elistair tether station—can be deployed and ready to fly in under two minutes, maintaining the high degree of portability and simplicity that field operators require during high-pressure scenarios.
The pairing creates a comprehensive, turnkey tethered ISR solution tailored for a diverse range of demanding operational environments. Primary target missions for the integrated platform include force protection, perimeter and border surveillance, large-scale event security, and rapid tactical response support. The foundational drone for this capability, the Parrot ANAFI UKR, was originally introduced by Parrot to the global aerospace and defense community at the 2005 Paris Air Show, quickly gaining traction as a reliable platform for professional operators across Europe and beyond.
How the ANAFI UKR Tethered Module Works
At the core of the new offering is a specialized, lightweight air module that bridges the gap between the Parrot ANAFI UKR and Elistair’s automated tethered stations. This module interfaces directly with the aircraft, routing continuous electrical power from the ground station up through a micro-tether. Because the power is supplied externally, the drone is liberated from the conventional constraints of lithium battery depletion, unlocking hours of persistent overwatch capabilities.
Field operators often face severe constraints regarding equipment weight, deployment speed, and operational complexity. Elistair’s engineering approach addresses these challenges by ensuring that the tethered conversion kit preserves the rapid deployment characteristics of the original platform. The entire system is engineered to be easily transported in standard field gear, allowing tactical teams to establish a secure, elevated observation post virtually anywhere within minutes.
Guilhem de Marliave, chief executive officer of Elistair, emphasized the strategic value of the new integration for existing users of the platform. "With this new solution, we bring the endurance of tethered operations to a drone that our defense and public safety customers already trust," de Marliave stated, highlighting how the collaboration bridges the gap between tactical mobility and strategic endurance.
Parrot executives similarly underscored the collaborative nature of the project and its alignment with the company’s broader goals for the ANAFI ecosystem. Chris Roberts, senior vice president and chief revenue officer of Parrot, pointed out that the integration enhances the platform’s versatility while maintaining the strict security and reliability standards demanded by institutional clients.
"At Parrot, we are committed to providing defense, public safety and critical infrastructure operators with resilient, field-proven aerial solutions that meet the demands of real-world missions," said Chris Roberts. "Elistair’s new tethered solution expands the operational capabilities of the ANAFI UKR by enabling persistent aerial surveillance while preserving the portability, ease of deployment and secure architecture our customers rely on. This collaboration illustrates the strength of our ecosystem and our shared commitment to delivering mission-critical intelligence when and where it matters most."
Elistair’s Proven Track Record in Tethered Drone Technology
The launch of the ANAFI UKR air module builds upon a decade of specialized engineering and field experience by Elistair. Over the past ten years, security forces, armed services, law enforcement agencies, civil security departments, and private security contractors have deployed more than 2,000 of Elistair’s tethered drone stations worldwide. The company’s robust technology currently sees active service in over 70 countries, reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in tethered aerial surveillance.
Operating out of dual hubs in France and North Carolina, Elistair continues to expand its technological footprint across multiple sectors. Earlier this year, the company made headlines by partnering with Exail to integrate tethered drone maritime surveillance capabilities onto autonomous vessels, demonstrating the adaptability of its tethering technology across both land and sea domains.
Parrot brings its own substantial manufacturing and technological pedigree to the partnership. Headquartered in Paris, France, the company designs its renowned ANAFI range of micro-UAVs in Europe, with manufacturing operations based in the United States and South Korea. Parrot’s broader technology ecosystem also encompasses Pix4D, a globally recognized leader in the development of advanced photogrammetry and geospatial software, ensuring that its hardware platforms integrate smoothly with sophisticated data processing pipelines.
Orders for the new tethered air module for the Parrot ANAFI UKR are now officially open through Elistair’s global distribution network. Operators seeking further technical specifications, compatibility details, or procurement information can visit Elistair’s official website.
