Today, the spotlight is on TRL Group, a Czech Republicâ€"based company that has expanded footprints in Africa through its subsidiary in Rwanda, TRL Space Rwanda.
The company has two divisions including TRL Space, which develops satellites, and TRL Drones, which manufactures drones for agriculture, security, and defense.
TRL Group recently showcased its technologies at the 9th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali, where President Paul Kagame visited its exhibition stand.
TRL's satellites are launched into orbit to observe global activity. They monitor agricultural growth, detect crop diseases, analyze soil conditions, and assess construction activitiesâ€"including identifying unauthorized buildings.
The satellites, powered by artificial intelligence, process large volumes of data and generate actionable insights.
The company's drones complement satellite systems by providing more detailed, ground-level data. On a 5,000-hectare farm, for example, satellites can give an overview of crop health, while drones can pinpoint specific diseases or localized problems.
Founded by Petr Kapoun, TRL Group entered Rwanda three years ago to take advantage of the country's innovation-friendly environment. Within a year, it had launched production of drones for agriculture and security, alongside satellite services for multiple sectors.
'The reason we have those two divisions is to combine all the data, since satellites provide a wide view of the land while drones deliver detailed information,' said Kapoun highlighting the company's dual approach.
Artificial intelligence drives both systems, enabling them to detect risks and provide critical information.
'We came to Rwanda with the vision of making it a hub for satellites and drones in Africa,' Kapoun noted.
TRL manufactures a wide range of drones. Among them are VTOL drones, which are fully electric and support agriculture and environmental protection. These models can fly at speeds of up to 250 km/h and cover areas within a 200 km radius.
The company also produces military-grade drones designed for security and defense. These aircraft can carry payloads of up to 10 kilograms, including explosives, fly at speeds of 500 km/h, and operate at altitudes of up to six kilometers.
Equipped with advanced engines and radar systems, they can detect and respond to threats in real time.
Annual output will depend on demand, but Kapoun pointed to the company's capacity in Europe as a benchmark: 'In the Czech Republic, we produce 200 drones per month. Since Rwanda will serve as our African headquarters, we expect to surpass that figure as we expand across the continent. However, it will take some time and depend on the customers.'
Currently, TRL Group operates a small assembly facility for drones. In 2026, it will begin constructing a larger factory in Rwanda, with completion expected in about two years. While some components will be imported, others will be sourced locally.
The company has already trained 10 Rwandan specialists in drone and satellite production, with a target of 50 in the near future. These experts will work in both manufacturing and operations, creating high-value jobs.
TRL is also equipping drones with advanced imaging systems, enabling them to capture visual data even when signal connections are disrupted.
The company works closely with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and national security institutions.
Drone prices vary by design and capability. For example, a VTOL drone with a three-meter wingspan can cost up to $250,000.
Although TRL initially focused on civilian applications, Kapoun emphasized that the shift to security followed naturally.
'First of all, the company was founded to serve civilian purposes. The defense aspect came naturally because once we developed technologies for agriculture and the environment, it became clear they could also be applied to other areas, such as border surveillance,' he said.
Smaller drones run on electric power, while long-range models use fuel engines, offering flexibility for different missions.
IGIHE
