Brinc Introduces Guardian Drone Designed to Support Public Safety Operations

Brinc, a Seattle-based startup founded by former Thiel Fellow Blake Resnick, has unveiled its newest public safety drone, the Guardian, which aims to serve as a practical alternative to police helicopters. Established in 2017, Brinc has grown rapidly and was last valued at nearly half a billion dollars, with early investment from figures like OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman. The Guardian drone is built for emergency response and comes equipped with advanced technology including thermal imaging, dual 4K zoom cameras, a spotlight, and a loudspeaker louder than a police siren. It can reach speeds of up to 60 mph, remain airborne for over an hour, and recharge automatically through its ‘charging nest,’ which can also store emergency supplies like defibrillators and Narcan.

One of the drone’s most notable features is the integration of Starlink—SpaceX’s satellite internet service—directly into the airframe, providing global connectivity and effectively unlimited operational range. Brinc envisions its technology as a central tool for police and fire departments across the U.S. and abroad. The company estimates a potential market worth up to $8 billion, with tens of thousands of first responder agencies as possible customers. The launch also coincides with U.S. restrictions on Chinese-made drones, creating new opportunities for domestic manufacturers like Brinc. Partnering with organizations such as the National League of Cities, Brinc hopes to help communities adopt drone-first response programs across the nation.