Leading energy provider, Southern Company, will begin deploying SwissDrones’ flagship product, the SDO 50, to enhance aerial intelligence capabilities
Zurich, Switzerland, 17 June 2025 – SwissDrones, a leading provider of advanced aerial intelligence solutions and long-range unmanned helicopter systems, announced its first hardware contract with leading US-based energy company, Southern Company. This sale further accelerates SwissDrones’ expansion into North America.
SwissDrones’ SDO 50 is a state-of-the-art unmanned helicopter and one of the first unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the category beyond 55 lbs to be approved in over 30 countries to fly long-range beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions. Its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability along with heavy payload capacity offers a highly cost-effective alternative to a manned aircraft. It’s also a more sustainable solution, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 95%.
“Energy companies are dealing with a host of difficult circumstances when it comes to maintaining their critical infrastructure,” says Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones. “From an increase in extreme weather events to cumbersome inspection practices, companies need new, innovative solutions. Teaming up with Southern Company will enable more efficient aerial surveillance and inspection to navigate those challenges.”
Committed to using advanced technologies to deliver clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy, Southern Company will deploy the aircraft to modernize maintenance protocol, enable efficient infrastructure monitoring, and conduct swift storm damage assessment.
“Partnering with SwissDrones empowers us to bring innovation to aerial inspection and infrastructure maintenance,” said Dean Barefield, UAS program manager at Southern Company. “As our first deployment of a large unmanned aerial system (UAS), the SDO 50 will expand our operational reach, allowing us to cover greater distances across our power lines in the Southeast and across our natural gas infrastructure throughout our broader service territory. This technology enhances our ability to gather high-quality data for both electric and gas operations, ultimately helping us better serve all of our customers.”
This collaboration signifies SwissDrones’ expansion into North America and reflects a broader industry trend toward adopting advanced uncrewed systems for critical infrastructure monitoring and emergency response.
To learn more about SwissDrones, please visit: https://www.swissdrones.com/.
About SwissDrones
SwissDrones is a leading provider of advanced aerial intelligence solutions and long-range unmanned helicopter systems, offering comprehensive end-to-end support through an integrated approach that covers aircraft technology, operational excellence, and actionable data insights.
Based in Zurich, Switzerland, SwissDrones develops innovative systems and an intelligence-as-a-service solution that’s more sustainable and cost-effective, enabling organizations to reduce emissions and operational risks. Approved in over 30 countries, SwissDrones’ technology sets a new standard with unmatched flight endurance, heavy payload capacity, and real-time data insights for mission-critical operations.
For more information, visit https://www.swissdrones.com.
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About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
Media contact: Southern Company Media Relations
404-506-5333 or 1-866-506-5333
