Paladin Unveils Knighthawk 2.0: Advancing Public Safety Infrastructure and Emergency Response Worldwide
When an evening call came in from a mother in Hoover, Alabama, reporting that her autistic child had bolted out of the apartment toward nearby water, officers understood the urgency immediately. Within 20 seconds, the drone was overhead arriving before officers on the ground providing a clear aerial view of the area and real-time insight. From above, officers could assess the scene and guide their approach with precision to ensure the child’s safety. In emergencies like this, every second counts, and moments like these highlight the real impact of Paladin’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) technology.
As we begin 2026, Paladin reflects on a transformative year of progress, partnership, and purpose. Throughout 2025, public safety and first responder departments across the country relied on Paladin’s DFR technology to gain critical visibility before responders arrived and provide real-time intelligence when it mattered most. We are deeply grateful to the departments and partners who trusted Paladin to support their missions. The dedication of first responders using this technology daily fuels our work and guides every decision we make.
Over the past year, Paladin DFR programs logged thousands of flights, brought 40 new public safety departments onboard, and trained more than 240 officers, expanding the role of drones in modern emergency response. Today, 120 departments actively operate Paladin DFR technology, demonstrating nationwide adoption and the measurable difference drones are making in day-to-day operations. Paladin was also recognized as a finalist at the Houston Innovation Awards and featured by Forbes, highlighting the industry’s acknowledgment of our technology’s impact and our commitment to building this growing field responsibly.
Departments are seeing the impact of Paladin firsthand. In Forest Park, Georgia, drones have become active responders, arriving ahead of officers on high-risk calls or when tracking fleeing suspects, providing critical situational awareness. One officer noted, “They can’t run faster than we can fly.” Equipped with advanced night vision and thermal technology, drones can locate individuals using body heat, track runners across varied terrain, and guide officers safely through complex situations. For example, during a pursuit this past year, the drone provided live intel on a suspect’s location and movements, allowing officers to plan their approach safely and efficiently. It even helped prevent a potential medical emergency as the suspect was found hiding inside a sweltering trailer.
Hoover PD has also expanded its DFR program to support both police and fire units six days a week. Drones provide critical support across a wide range of public safety operations, assisting firefighters during structural or brush fires by identifying hot spots and directing water placement, helping officers manage traffic incidents, monitoring nighttime burglaries, and offering real-time aerial intelligence for other urgent response situations. As an officer mentioned, “This technology is out there to help fight crime and that has a great deal to do with why our city is so safe.” On special events, such as large public gatherings or college sporting tournaments, Hoover PD uses drones to monitor crowd safety, manage traffic, and provide departments with a real-time aerial perspective that was previously unavailable. An officer praised Paladin’s reliability, noting, “Compared to other tools, the combination of cost, technology, and customer support is a huge asset. They take our feedback seriously and are constantly improving.”
Across these departments nationwide, our all in one solution drones are redefining public safety by expanding coverage, reducing response times, and supporting multiple agencies simultaneously. Every mission is securely recorded for analysis, while strict FAA guidelines ensure privacy is always protected. In the field, Paladin drones are built to keep pace with fast-moving emergencies. With quick 25-minute recharge times and battery hot swaps that take only seconds, operators can land, swap, and launch again for 25-30 minutes providing first responder teams with reliable continuous aerial support in any condition.
Looking ahead to 2026, Paladin Drones remains dedicated to advancing public safety through trusted partnerships and innovative technology. Together with the departments we serve, we are building a future where responders arrive prepared, decisions are informed by real-time intelligence, and communities feel safer every day. By embracing innovation responsibly and prioritizing the needs of first responders, Paladin is proud to continue shaping public safety that is smarter, faster, and safer. The future of public safety isn’t just approaching, it’s already here, and we’re committed to continue leading the way.