SkeyDrone

What SkeyDrone does

SkeyDrone NV is a Belgian situational awareness platform provider for lower airspace management, structured as a 50/50 joint venture between skeyes (Belgium's air navigation service provider) and Brussels Airport Company. Founded in February 2020 by skeyes and joined by Brussels Airport Company as equal shareholder in October 2021, the company builds hardware-agnostic software that fuses drone detection (RF, radar, Remote ID), flight authorisation data, crewed aviation feeds (Mode-S, ADS-B, FLARM, AIS), and third-party data sources (SafeSky, ADS-B Exchange) into a single operational picture for safety-critical environments. Its proprietary software suite comprises Drone Radar (real-time threat visualisation), Drone Analytics (historical analysis and heatmaps), Monitor (Traffic Information Service), and Fly/Planner (UTM workflow), all delivered through the SkeyDrone Hub cloud platform alongside the DITTA™ structured airspace assessment methodology, of which SkeyDrone is a founding technology partner. Vertical-specific solutions (SiteSecure, RunwaySafe, EventWatch, PortGuard, AirDefend, JustFly) package the platform for critical infrastructure, airports/ANSPs, event security, ports, government/defence, and BVLOS operators respectively. SkeyBox provides the connectivity hardware layer for the nationwide RF detection network, deployed in partnership with Senhive and Proximus.

SkeyDrone generates revenue through a mix of subscription services (Drone Detection-as-a-Service, UTM/U-space Service Provider fees, Traffic Information Service API), professional services and consultancy (e.g., skeyes Drone & Aerial Activities Platform implementation, BVLOS framework deployment), and integrated managed C-UAS solutions combining proprietary software with third-party sensors (RunwaySafe deployments). Pricing is quote-based and subscription-billed annually, with no public tiers; sales run through direct enterprise engagement, channel partnerships (Proximus NXT for Belgian enterprise, Airport Intelligence for international airports), and international local partners for RF network rollouts. The company sells to airports (Brussels Airport, Kortrijk-Wevelgem, Ostend-Bruges), ports (Port of Antwerp-Bruges), Belgian police districts (Tomorrowland, Lokerse Feesten, Pukkelpop deployments), BVLOS operators (ADLC, DroneLand), healthcare logistics (AZ Groeninge, VIVES University MEDROS project), and government/defence agencies. Operating from Steenokkerzeel (operational/control room) and Brussels (registered headquarters), the company employs 11-50 staff and is on track to become one of the first certified U-space Service Providers in Europe.

Name

SkeyDrone

Legal name

SkeyDrone NV

Website

https://skeydrone.aero

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SkeyDrone NV is a Belgian joint venture between skeyes and Brussels Airport Company that provides a hardware-agnostic drone detection, UTM/U-space, and airspace situational awareness platform for airports, ports, critical infrastructure, government agencies, and BVLOS drone operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

UAS Traffic Management Software

NAICS

Air Traffic Control (488111), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Drone/UAV Data Capture & Processing Software (AFAAAFAH), Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM), Remote Sensing & Geospatial Vision (satellite/drone imagery) (HDAAAEAL)

Keywords

• Drone detection software
• UAS traffic management
• U-space services
• Airspace situational awareness
• Counter-UAS solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Steenokkerzeel

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Drone Detection-as-a-Service: SaaS-based drone detection service delivered via a nationwide network of RF sensors. Customers gain instant access to drone detection capabilities without owning hardware. Pricing likely based on coverage area and number of sensors deployed per site. Covers both cooperative (Remote ID) and non-cooperative drone detection.
2. UTM/U-space Services: U-space Service Provider (USSP) services including flight authorisation, geo-awareness, network information, and traffic information services. Active in all military geozones in Belgium and all controlled airspaces managed by skeyes. Annual 30% increase in authorised UAS operations up to 18,500 in 2023. Approximately 1,000 special air activities requests processed yearly.
3. Professional Services & Consultancy: Consultancy services for drone operators and business integration services for companies. Implementation of Drone & Aerial Activities Platform at skeyes. BVLOS framework deployment for complex airspace operations.
4. Integrated Drone Detection Solutions: Full counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions combining hardware integration (own SkeyBox, SENID+ sensors, third-party radar/infrared/acoustic) with proprietary software. Customised threat assessment solutions for airports via RunwaySafe.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SkeyDrone develops and operates a real-time situational awareness platform for lower airspace management, combining drone detection, U-space/UAS Traffic Management (UTM) services, and threat assessment intelligence. The company delivers a cloud-based software suite (Drone Radar, Drone Analytics, Monitor, Fly, Planner) via the SkeyDrone Hub, alongside vertical solutions for airports, ports, critical infrastructure, events, government/defence, and BVLOS operators. It also operates a nationwide RF-based drone detection network in Belgium and the SkeyBox connectivity hardware.

Product overview

SkeyDrone offers a modular situational awareness platform for lower airspace management. The core platform combines drone detection, authorisation, and intelligence into a unified operational picture. Key software products include Drone Radar (real-time detection and threat visualization), Drone Analytics (historical analysis and reporting), and SkeyDrone Monitor (Traffic Information Service). These are delivered through the SkeyDrone Hub central cloud platform. Vertical-specific solutions include SiteSecure (critical infrastructure), RunwaySafe (airports/ANSPs), EventWatch (events), PortGuard (ports), AirDefend (government/defence), and JustFly (BVLOS operators). Supporting services include Drone Detection-as-a-Service with nationwide RF sensor network, Lower Airspace Authorisation Tools (UTM), and Traffic Information Service. Hardware includes SkeyBox connectivity units. The DITTA framework provides structured threat assessment methodology. All solutions are 100% developed in Belgium.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SiteSecure: Solution for critical infrastructure monitoring and airspace activity assessment.
• RunwaySafe
• EventWatch
• PortGuard
• AirDefend
• JustFly
• Drone Radar
• Drone Analytics
• SkeyDrone Hub
• DITTA
• SkeyBox

Products and services

• SkeyDrone Platform Real-time situational awareness platform for safety-critical environments that combines drone detection, UTM/U-space authorisation, and intelligence into a single operational picture for airports, ports, critical infrastructure, government, events, and BVLOS operators.
• SkeyDrone Hub Central cloud platform accessible to all users for registration, supporting drone operators, authorities, and geo-zone managers with organisation management, flight planning, and notification alerts.
• Drone Radar Software application providing real-time overview of drone and crewed air traffic with custom intrusion zones, smart threat identification logic, instant alerts, whitelist capabilities, and visualisation of both drone and pilot positions.
• Drone Analytics Software application providing historical overview of uncrewed traffic with flexible filter and search capabilities, replay flight functionality, flight detail sharing with third parties, report creation, and heatmap generation for hotspot identification.
• SkeyDrone Monitor (Traffic Information Service) Traffic Information Service software delivering comprehensive air picture displaying both crewed and uncrewed traffic, with AIS integration, intrusion alerts, flight plan conformance monitoring, and loss of separation detection.
• Drone Detection-as-a-Service SaaS-based drone detection service delivered via a nationwide network of RF sensors covering Belgium; subscribers gain instant access to detection capabilities covering cooperative (Remote ID) and non-cooperative drones without owning hardware.
• Lower Airspace Authorisation Tools (UTM) UAS Traffic Management (UTM) and special air activities authorisation system that safely integrates drones and special activities into controlled airspace across all Belgian military geozones and skeyes-managed airspaces.
• Traffic Information Service API API offering for external system integration of real-time traffic data covering both cooperative and non-cooperative drones for customers using their own Human-Machine Interface.
• SkeyBox Intelligent control unit hardware that monitors and connects all drone detection network elements for reliable real-time operation, featuring dual SIM/E-SIM capability, VPN-secured remote access, integrated firewall protection, and remote oversight of power usage and connectivity quality.
• SiteSecure Solution for critical infrastructure operators (industrial plants, petrochemical facilities, nuclear plants, datacenters, power plants) to monitor and assess airspace activity, prioritise threats, and allow legitimate drone operations.
• RunwaySafe Threat assessment solution for airports, ANSPs, and CAAs that distinguishes authorised, unknown, and non-compliant drone activity, reduces unnecessary runway closures, and supports tower and operations decisions.
• EventWatch Solution for event organisers and security teams that detects and assesses drone activity at events, distinguishes authorised from suspicious operations, and coordinates security teams during large outdoor gatherings.
• PortGuard Solution for ports and maritime environments that aligns port authorities, terminal operators, and security teams, distinguishes authorised from suspicious drone activity, and maintains operational continuity while enabling beneficial drone use.
• AirDefend Solution for government and defence agencies that builds a real-time air picture across multiple data sources, detects anomalies and potential threats, and enables faster operational and strategic decisions to protect citizens against drone threats.
• JustFly Solution for BVLOS drone operators providing real-time comprehensive air picture, tactical deconfliction, and mission execution support without compromising safety.

Quantifiable outcome

• 31,196 drone flights detected in 2024 by the nationwide network
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

AI capability7 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Airport IntelligencemajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2026Partnership announced January 2026 to deliver and implement integrated drone detection solutions for international airports. Airport Intelligence contributes implementation expertise while SkeyDrone provides the detection platform and services.
• SafeSkymajorTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2025Traffic data exchange partnership announced March 2025. SkeyDrone integrates SafeSky's real-time traffic data (from 85,000+ pilots across Europe) into its Traffic Information Service, gaining additional flight information for lower flying aircraft. In return, SafeSky receives cooperative and non-cooperative uncrewed traffic data from SkeyDrone for flights above 500 feet, enabling SafeSky pilots to receive drone activity alerts. Data exchange marks important step toward improved airspace awareness.
• ProximuscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 October 2024Strategic partnership announced October 2024. Proximus provides telecommunications infrastructure (telecom towers) for installing Senhive drone detection sensors, extending Belgium nationwide detection network. Proximus NXT commercialises the drone detection solution to enterprise customers. Leverages Proximus' robust infrastructure for optimal sensor placement and managed connectivity.
• SenhivecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 October 2024Airspace technology company manufacturing SENID+ ground sensor systems for C-UAS protection and airspace management. Founded 2019, trusted in 16+ European countries with recent US market entry. RF, radar and AI experts ensure highest hardware standards benchmarked against EASA and ASD-STAN regulations. SENID+ sensors serve as default configuration for SkeyDrone's drone detection network.
• UniflycoreTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2021Joint development and deployment of Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) systems. Unifly's DronePortal UTM application has been operational at Port of Antwerp-Bruges since mid-March 2021, processing over 5,000 flight authorisations. Major upgrades deployed in February 2024 and January 2026 enhanced efficiency, UX/UI, and U-space readiness. Unifly's platform serves as vital link between authorities, drone pilots, and stakeholders for safe drone integration.
• skeyescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2020skeyes (Belgian Air Navigation Service Provider) founded SkeyDrone as a dedicated subsidiary in February 2020 to address lower airspace complexity. SkeyDrone was launched by skeyes bringing deep expertise from skeyes and Eurocontrol in air traffic management. skeyes manages over 3,000 aircraft daily and 1 million+ flight movements per year. Skeyes is also the Common Information Service Provider (CISP) in Belgium's U-space framework.
• Citymesh SENSEmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquipping 35 designated Belgian priority zones with two strategically positioned Drones-in-a-Box for police and firefighting squads. SkeyDrone's detection platform coordinates with Citymesh's drone infrastructure for emergency response assessment after receiving emergency calls.
• D-HivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDrone network of 6 Drones-in-a-Box spread across the port of Antwerp executing up to 18 BVLOS drone flights per day to coordinate smooth, safe and sustainable operations. Demonstrates scalable BVLOS operations in complex port environment.
• DronePortmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation and demonstration centre for drones in Sint-Truiden (opened September 2023 next to Ostend-Bruges Airport). SkeyDrone operates first fully automated BVLOS drone flight at DronePort for remote perimeter inspection. Provides testing environment as a former airport with controlled airspace for U-space demonstrations.
• Living TomorrowmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation Campus in Vilvoorde serving as take-off location for SkeyDrone's historic first drone flight with active deconfliction in Brussels Airport controlled airspace. Test environment for new aviation technologies including urban mobility and logistics applications.
• ADLCmajorTechnology or IntegrationBelgian startup specialising in B2B drone delivery services. Using SkeyDrone's Traffic Information Service for transporting petrochemical samples 14 km within Port of Antwerp (partially in controlled airspace). Conducted first BVLOS flight in Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport geozone without interrupting other air traffic. Operates heavy-duty VTOL Fixed Wing drones.
• VIVES University of Applied SciencesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead partner of MEDROS (Medical Drone Supplies) TETRA project exploring drone technology for transporting medical goods within the Flemish healthcare sector. KU Leuven collaborating on quality comparison of blood samples transported by drone vs road.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Unifly: Belgian UTM vendor whose DronePortal platform is co-deployed with SkeyDrone at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Direct UTM/USSP competitor in the European market, but also a working partner — making it the closest comparable for product, customer base, and geography.
• Altitude Angel: UK-based U-space service provider offering airspace management, flight authorisation, and UTM APIs to drone operators, ANSPs, and governments. Direct USSP competitor and a credible benchmark for SkeyDrone's international expansion plans.
• AirHub: Dutch drone operations and UTM platform providing flight planning, authorisation, and airspace management for enterprise and public-safety operators. Direct competitor in Benelux drone airspace management with overlapping enterprise and government customers.
• OneSky (Aireon): US-based UTM and airspace management provider serving ANSPs, regulators, and drone operators globally. Direct USSP/UTM competitor, particularly relevant for international expansion into ANSP-grade deployments.

Emerging players

• AirMatrix: Canadian drone airspace analytics and operations platform providing flight planning, compliance, and airspace intelligence. Emerging competitor in the UTM/UTM-analytics layer with comparable positioning to SkeyDrone's Drone Analytics product.

Broad incumbents

• Dedrone: Global counter-UAS and drone detection company providing multi-sensor airspace security to defence, government, and critical infrastructure customers. Larger incumbent in the airspace detection layer that overlaps with SkeyDrone's RunwaySafe, SiteSecure, and AirDefend solutions.
• DroneShield: Australian counter-UAS and drone detection specialist selling multi-sensor C-UAS systems to defence, government, and critical infrastructure operators. Larger incumbent competing with SkeyDrone's integrated detection-and-action proposition.
• Thales: Global aerospace and defence prime offering airspace management, air traffic control, and counter-UAS solutions. As a broad incumbent, it competes with SkeyDrone in airport/ANSP procurement and benefits from incumbency in regulated environments.
• Frequentis: Austrian air traffic management and mission-critical communications vendor serving ANSPs, defence, and public safety. Broad incumbent offering overlapping airspace management capabilities and a credible competitor for international U-space contracts.

Others

• Senhive: Belgian airspace sensor manufacturer whose SENID+ RF sensors are the default detection layer for SkeyDrone's nationwide network. Not a direct competitor but an enabling supplier whose product roadmap directly impacts SkeyDrone's detection performance.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/skeydrone
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/skeydrone

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SkeyDrone