Germany's Condor Group takes over Hamburg drone firm HHLA Sky
Essen-based Condor Group, a security and maritime services company, has acquired HHLA Sky, a Hamburg developer of drone management software. The deal ends the involvement of Hamburg port and logistics operator HHLA in drone technology.
Germany's Condor Group, headquartered in Essen, has bought HHLA Sky, a Hamburg-based developer of drone management software and automated drone systems. The deal was announced on 12 November, though it was completed at the end of October. As a result, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), the Hamburg port and logistics company, is no longer involved in drone technology, while Condor brings drone manufacturing, fleet management technology and operational expertise together under one roof.
From HHLA Sky to Condor Sky
The transaction went through Condor International and Maritime Services (Condor IMS), a Condor subsidiary. The business will continue as Condor Sky, and all employees move to the new organisation, including staff in Hamburg and Bielefeld. Bielefeld handles drone development, manufacturing and maintenance, and produces several models, including the X11, X25 and V25. This extends Condor from drone management software into developing and building unmanned aircraft.
Integrated Control Center
The core of Condor Sky's portfolio is the Integrated Control Center (ICC), a platform for planning, controlling and monitoring drones from different manufacturers through one interface. It has been in commercial use since 2024; in North Rhine-Westphalia it supports daily drone deliveries of laboratory samples and blood products between hospitals and laboratories. According to Condor, one pilot can coordinate and supervise several automated flights at once while accounting for other airspace users. The ICC has been certified by TÜV NORD against the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard.
Condor Sky presents itself mainly as a technology and systems provider rather than a drone operator in its own right. It supplies software, aircraft and operational concepts, while partners fly the missions, such as Dortmund-based logistics firm Morpheus Logistik, security companies and critical infrastructure operators.
Security focus
Condor intends to combine drone operations with its existing security services and control room expertise. Possible uses include critical infrastructure inspections, security surveillance, situational awareness and alarm verification. Ground robots are already integrated into the ICC, and unmanned maritime systems are planned for 2027. The longer-term aim is a single management environment for unmanned systems in the air, on land and at sea.
HHLA steps back
HHLA is refocusing on container terminals and European intermodal transport. In April 2025 HHLA Sky merged with German drone maker Third Element Aviation, but a review of HHLA's start-up and spin-off investments led to the decision to sell. HHLA's third-quarter 2026 report shows a non-cash impairment charge of €12 million. Financial terms of the Condor deal have not been disclosed.
