Hevi-25

The Hevi-25 is a compact, gyro-stabilised electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) gimbal developed by Hevi Optronics, a company based in Tallinn, Estonia. Introduced in 2022, the system is designed as a lightweight payload for small tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions. It serves primarily as an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tool, providing operators with stabilized visual and thermal imagery in dynamic combat environments.

The device features a dual EO/IR sensor suite housed in a sub-1 kg form factor, making it suitable for integration onto smaller airframes that cannot support heavier targeting pods. Its core technical capability lies in its two-axis gyro-stabilisation system, which maintains line-of-sight stability despite the vibrations and movements of the host aircraft. This stabilization allows for clearer target acquisition and tracking. The gimbal also incorporates on-board target tracking algorithms, enabling the system to maintain lock on moving objects without constant manual input from the pilot. Hevi Optronics describes its architecture as modular, allowing for the integration of additional sensors or changes to the sensor suite as needed. The company emphasizes its “line-of-sight stabilization technology” as a key differentiator, claiming it meets rigorous customer requirements for performance in harsh conditions.

Estonia and Ukraine are among the primary operators of the Hevi-25. The system has seen combat use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where it has been deployed on various small UAV platforms. Ukrainian forces have utilized such stabilized EO/IR gimbals to enhance situational awareness and conduct precision strikes against Russian positions. The deployment of the Hevi-25 reflects a broader trend in the conflict towards the use of small, cost-effective unmanned systems equipped with advanced optical sensors.

Hevi Optronics, the manufacturer, positions itself as a provider of precision-engineered electro-optical systems for both commercial and defence applications. The company’s product range extends beyond the Hevi-25 to include mobile electro-optical systems, remote weapon stations, and land-based stabilized panoramic surveillance platforms. Their approach focuses on integrating the latest sensor technologies with video enhancement algorithms to create turn-key solutions for air, land, and sea markets. The Hevi-25 represents their entry into the compact, high-performance payload market, catering to the needs of modern drone warfare where weight and power constraints are critical.