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Draganfly and SafeLane Global Enter into Multi-Year Agreement with Draganfly as the Preferred Global Provider of Landmine Mapping Drones and Aerial Survey Services

Monday, April 14th, 2025

First Ukraine Landmine Aerial Survey Contract Underway

Tampa, FL — April 10, 2025 — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, today announced that it has been selected by SafeLane Global Ltd. (“SafeLane”) as its preferred unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aerial survey provider.

SafeLane, a world-renowned specialist in explosive threat mitigation, is one of only two private organizations licensed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to conduct landmine and explosive ordnance clearance operations in Ukraine. With over 30 years of experience across more than 60 countries, SafeLane supports governments, humanitarian organizations, and commercial clients in the clearance and disposal of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and explosive remnants of war (ERW), both on land and underwater.

Under the agreement, Draganfly will provide advanced drone solutions, including UAVs, specialized sensors, and data analysis services, to support SafeLane’s global mine action initiatives. The collaboration aims to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of explosive threat detection and removal operations in high-risk environments.

“We are honored to be selected as SafeLane’s UAS partner,” said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. “This partnership represents a significant opportunity to leverage Draganfly’s technology to support critical humanitarian and defense efforts. Together, we will work to deliver scalable, innovative solutions for global landmine action.”

The companies will co-develop joint intellectual property and standard operating procedures tailored for aerial mine detection and clearance. SafeLane will lead proposal submissions and operational deployment, while Draganfly will provide technology, mission planning, piloting, and survey analysis.

According to the Landmine Monitor 2023, more than 60 million landmines remain buried across over 60 countries, posing a persistent threat to civilians, especially children, who account for nearly half of the casualties. Ukraine is currently one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world.

“Draganfly’s drone-based technology will significantly increase the safety and efficiency of our operations,” said Asa Gilbert, Director of Business Development at SafeLane. “This partnership is a critical step in helping communities recover from the legacy of conflict.”

The collaboration further positions Draganfly as a key player in the defense and humanitarian sectors, supporting efforts to create safer environments in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

draganfly.com

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GA-ASI Inks Collaboration Deal With South Korea’s Hanwha

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025

The Companies Will Pursue Global UAS Programs

SAN DIEGO – 08 April 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace have agreed to collaborate on the development and production of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for the global defense market. The joint effort follows the successful completion of a major flight demonstration in 2024 when the two companies launched a GA-ASI MQ-1C Gray Eagle® STOL (GE STOL) UAS from the South Korean Navy’s amphibious landing ship ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111) as it was underway at sea off the coast of Pohang, South Korea.

The demonstration illustrated the ability of the GE STOL to safely operate on many types of aircraft-capable ships, which opens myriad new ways for the U.S. and its allies to use this UAS to support multi-domain operations. It also paved the way for GA-ASI and Hanwha to sign this new agreement to jointly invest in and pursue new UAS business opportunities.

“We’re excited to extend and deepen our business relationship with Hanwha,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, who supervised the November 12, 2024, at-sea demonstration. “Our test flight with Gray Eagle STOL was well-received by the Republic of Korea Navy, and we know Hanwha is ready to invest to grow a UAS business with GA-ASI both in Korea and the U.S.”

Gray Eagle STOL—which stands for short takeoff and landing—is the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft of its kind with the ability to operate without a catapult or arresting gear from fight deck-equipped warships such as amphibious ships and aircraft carriers. It additionally enables true runway independence by operating from unimproved fields and roads, beaches, parking lots, etc.

Hanwha Aerospace plans to invest more than 300 billion KRW (US $203.5M) in the development and production facilities for GE STOL and UAS engines, expand research and development activities, and provide production infrastructure in both South Korea and with GA-ASI in the U.S. This is in addition to GA-ASI’s past and ongoing investment in UAS STOL development. Hanwha also plans to create jobs by securing talent in related fields and to foster the domestic (Korean) UAS industry ecosystem by discovering domestic parts and material partner companies. GA-ASI expects the endeavor to create nearly 10,000 jobs based upon the expected sales and support over the next 10 years, and at least 500 jobs in the U.S.

“Hanwha Aerospace views unmanned systems as a strategic pillar for the future of defense. Through our collaboration with GA-ASI, we aim to strengthen sovereign defense capabilities, expand Korea’s presence in the global UAS market, and contribute to a more robust ROK-U.S. alliance, said Dong Kwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group.

Previously known as Mojave, Gray Eagle STOL leverages extensive commonality with the well-proven, in-production Gray Eagle 25M airframe to offer a highly capable new aircraft at greatly reduced cost and technical risk compared to a clean-sheet design. Gray Eagle STOL has recorded a number of first-of-their-kind aviation milestones, including the flight from the Dokdo, launch and recovery aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (09), live-fire testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., and several others. Gray Eagle STOL offers international militaries a unique platform: a full-featured medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS with a significant battlefield payload that can take off in short distances from ships, unimproved surfaces, or other highly combat-relevant locations.

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UVision Acquires Trim Robotics, Expanding its Loitering Munition Capabilities

Tuesday, April 8th, 2025

Strengthening UVision’s Tactical Loitering Munition Portfolio with Innovative Ground-Breaking Precision Strike Capabilities

April 7 2025, UVision USA., a global pioneer in loitering munition systems, announced the acquisition of Trim Robotics, a cutting-edge developer of next-generation rotary-wing high maneuver loitering munitions. This strategic acquisition strengthens UVision’s operational portfolio by integrating the HERO series with Trim’s innovative Quadikaze missile, creating a more versatile and synergized loitering munition portfolio. Trim Robotics’ QuadiKaze missile is a groundbreaking dual-frame rotary-wing loitering munition system that offers unprecedented aerodynamic efficiency and enhanced flight performance. Unlike conventional rotary wing solutions, Trim’s designintegrates dual fuselage ensuring superior in-flight control, optimized attack trajectories with a high angle of attack.

The Trim QuadiKaze missile bridges the gap between the limited maneuverability of traditional attack quadcopters and UVision’s advanced fixed-wing Hero series of loitering munitions. It offers significant operational advantages, including extended flight endurance, longer mission durations, and rapid engagement of time-sensitive targets. Its compact dual-fuselage design is ideal for urban warfare and dense environments such asforests and narrow alleyways. Autonomous target identification and attack capabilities ensure stealthy, high-speed engagements, enhancing lethality. The Trim solution is man-portable, requires minimal training, and allows for rapid deployment without extensive preparation. It weighs approximately 4 kg with a highly efficient payload-to-platform ratio.

Dr. Ran Gozali, CEO of UVision Air Ltd., stated: “UVision continues to develop loitering munitions, and this acquisition demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the HERO family’s capabilities for tactical forces. The dual-fuselage design delivers ease of control and fixed-wing-grade kinetic performance. This approach aligns with our vision and portfolio, addressing the need for high-speed, precision loitering munitions in complex operational environments. Together, we will provide customers with next-generation solutions for modern battlefields.”

Jonathan Cohen, CEO of Trim Robotics, said: “This strategic investment and partnership represent a strong vote of confidence in our technology, capabilities, and long-term vision. Partnering with UVision a global leader in loitering munitions – enhances our ability to deliver advanced, mission-ready solutions. Together, we are accelerating the future of UAV innovation and meetingthe evolving operational needs of modern defense. We value this partnership and are confident it will bring the Peregrine closer to those who need it most.”

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Elevate Your Precision: OKSI’s Advanced EO/IR Seekers and Terminal Guidance

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

At OKSI, we’ve spent decades pushing the boundaries of EO/IR sensing, and we’re proud to introduce our next-generation seekers and terminal guidance software—engineered to surpass any solution on the market. Our proven track record in advanced imaging and autonomous targeting sets the stage for unmatched performance and reliability in modern battlefields with harsh Electronic Warfare (EW) environments.

Why Choose OKSI?

Hardware Your Way

From Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) to fully custom options, our low-cost modular and passive EO/IR seekers let you integrate powerful, precision-guidance capabilities without reinventing your entire platform.

Seamless Platform Integration

Our containerized terminal guidance software modules are platform-agnostic, running flawlessly on NVIDIA, Qualcomm Snapdragon, or even FPGA hardware. Providing precision guidance in both air and ground domains.

No GPS? No Problem

Our seekers excel in EW environments by eliminating reliance on GPS—giving you robust performance when it matters most.

Passive, Laser-Free Operation

By removing the need for laser teams or designators, we reduce complexity, risk, and costs.

Fire-and-Forget Capability

Launch once (with or without a lock) and let our seekers’ advanced image-based ATR, and visual navigation algorithms do the rest.

Sophisticated Target Tracking

Whether static or dynamic, our proprietary pipelines track targets with pinpoint accuracy, enabling critical LOAL (Lock-On-After-Launch) functionality and maximum effectiveness with vulnerability aimpoint exploitation.

Midcourse Mastery

Our visual-based navigation is the ideal solution for long range strike—enabling absolute positional awareness during midcourse and terminal phase for a variety of engagement profiles.

Applications

Ideal for Long-Range Strike / SOPGM, Loitering and Guided Munitions, C-UAS, Air-Launched Effects, UAS and FPV, Rockets, Mortars, and UAS Air-Dropped Munitions—our seekers seamlessly integrate into existing and next-gen platforms alike.

Choose OKSI to gain a competitive edge. Let us empower your operations with decades of proven expertise and cutting-edge EO/IR guidance solutions—because when every second counts, you need a partner who delivers unwavering accuracy and reliability. This isn’t marketing fluff and generated graphics for future aspirations. OKSI is providing real results to complex scenarios today.

Get in touch to learn how our EO/IR seekers can redefine your mission success. Contact solutions@oksi.ai

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Marine Corps Launches Attack Drone Team

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – On Jan. 3, 2025, the Commanding Generals of Training Command, Maj. Gen. Anthony M. Henderson, and the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Brig. Gen. Simon M. Doran, established the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team in response to the rapid proliferation of armed first-person view drone technology and tactics.

A Neros Archer first-person view drone sits on a case during a demonstration range at Weapons Training Battalion on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, March 7, 2025. The Marine Corps Attack Drone Team used the Neros Archer FPV drone to engage targets on the range to showcase the drone’s capabilities on the battlefield. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Barker)

The creation of MCADT comes in response to the rapid proliferation of armed first-person view drone technology and tactics observed in modern conflicts, particularly in Eastern Europe. As emerging threats continue to evolve, the Marine Corps is prioritizing the integration of FPV drone capabilities to enhance lethality and operational effectiveness across the Fleet Marine Force.

“MCADT is committed to rapidly integrating armed first-person view drones into the FMF, enhancing small-unit lethality and providing organic capabilities that warfighters currently lack” said Maj. Alejandro Tavizon, headquarters company commander at Weapons Training Battalion and officer in charge of MCADT. “By leveraging emerging technologies and refining drone employment tactics, we are ensuring that Marines remain agile, adaptive, and lethal in the modern battlespace.”

MCADT will be based at WTBn-Quantico under Training Command, fostering close collaboration with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. This placement builds on 124 years of expertise from the Marine Corps Shooting Team (MCST), which has long facilitated the Corps’ culture of marksmanship and paved the way for the development of this program. The Shooting Team’s legacy in precision weapons and the capabilities of the WTBn-Quantico Precision Weapons Section further enhance MCADT’s mission.

The team’s mission is to integrate lessons from modern combat; represent the Marine Corps in inter-Service, national, and international competitions; and, through iterative training and competition, provide input to the development of cutting-edge FPV drone capabilities to enhance warfighting effectiveness. MCADT will:

– Develop and refine armed FPV drone training for Marines across the Total Force.
– Inform service-level requirements to ensure the rapid fielding of cutting-edge FPV technologies.
– Enhance individual and unit lethality through hands-on instruction during competitive training events.

“Today’s battlefield is changing rapidly, and we must adapt just as quickly. The Marine Corps Attack Drone Team will ensure that our warfighters remain at the forefront of precision drone employment, providing a critical advantage in future conflicts.” Maj. Alejandro Tavizon, Weapons Training Battalion Headquarters Company commander and officer in charge of MCADT

MCADT will serve as the Marine Corps’ subject matter experts on FPV drone employment and represent the Corps in inter-service, national, and international competitions. The first of these will be the U.S. National Drone Association’s Military Drone Crucible Championship, held from June 30 to July 3, 2025, in Florida. Competing against units like the 75th Ranger Regiment, MCADT will execute tactical missions using FPVs and small UAS in realistic scenarios designed to simulate modern combat. The competition will feature tactical inserts and full mission profiles designed to implement the ‘hunter-killer method’ using both small, unmanned aircraft systems and FPVs, incorporating a variety of flight control options, such as radio frequency, fiber-optic, and artificial intelligent-enabled, which will enhance operational effectiveness.

Following the competition, MCADT will share insights to refine tactics and further improve operational effectiveness. In April 2026, MCADT will host a final championship and selection event at Marine Corps Base Quantico, coinciding with the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition Championships. Top drone operators will be selected to augment MCADT for future competitions.

MCADT’s impact extends beyond competition. FPV drones offer squad-level lethality up to 20 kilometers for under $5,000, compared to more expensive weapons systems with less capability. This provides a cost-effective and scalable solution for modern combat.

MCADT is already employing several USMC program of record and non-program of record small UAS and FPV controlled drones, through assistance from MCWL and their dedication to the partnership to MCADT. Each of these drones offers distinct capabilities, and the MCADT will use them, as well as additional drones to be received in the coming weeks, to effectively complete their missions.

The Competition-in-Arms Program will expand to incorporate drone competitions within the existing Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition series. The MCADT will run competitions throughout FY26 in conjunction with the MCST. These events will provide opportunities to continuously refine and enhance the skills needed to effectively operate these new precision weapons, ultimately increasing the lethality of Marines and Marine units across the FMF.

“Right now, our focus is on rapidly building proficiency by sending Marines to a variety of training courses and increasing hands-on familiarization,” said Tavizon. “Our goal is to ensure they can not only operate these systems effectively but also integrate them seamlessly into a team. This means mastering primary platforms, having redundancy with backup systems, and getting the necessary repetitions to employ payloads with precision under real-world conditions.”

The establishment of MCADT marks a significant advancement in modernizing Marine Corps capabilities, equipping Marines with cutting-edge drone technology that enhances lethality at extended ranges, all at a fraction of the cost of current long-range weapon systems. Through continuous training, competitions, and collaboration, MCADT is already shaping – and will continue to shape – how the Corps locates, closes with, and destroys our nation’s adversaries.

By Cpl Joshua Barker | Marine Corps Training and Education Command

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GA-ASI Achieves EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organization Approval for MQ-9A and MQ-9B Platforms

Sunday, March 30th, 2025

European Military Airworthiness Regulator Approves GA-ASI Application Approval Will Make Subsequent Certifications Easier

SAN DIEGO – 20 March 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a world leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), has received the prestigious EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organization Approval for component maintenance from the French Military Continuing Airworthiness Authority, DSAE. This approval underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence in military aviation.

The EMAR framework is a set of regulations developed from commercial aerospace standards (FAA/EASA) that are designed to ensure airworthiness for European military aircraft. It establishes a common airworthiness framework recognized by military airworthiness authorities worldwide. EMAR/FR 145 certification authorizes maintenance organizations to perform critical maintenance tasks while ensuring strict adherence to safety, reliability, and documentation requirements.

GA-ASI’s EMAR/FR 145 approval allows the company to issue EMAR Form 1s (Return to Service forms) for components serviced by the approved maintenance organization, confirming the safety and airworthiness of the equipment. This recognition applies to GA-ASI’s maintenance activities at its Poway and Adelanto, California, facilities and covers CAT C (component maintenance) services.

“This approval is a significant achievement for GA-ASI, positioning the company to better serve international customers, especially military users of our MQ-9A and MQ-9B UAS platforms,” said Sam Richardson, GA-ASI vice president of Sustainment. “The ability to leverage the EMAR/FR 145 certification streamlines the company’s processes, reduces costs, and accelerates future airworthiness pursuits, as many future customers will recognize this certification rather than requiring a full, independent certification process.”

By obtaining EMAR/FR 145 approval, GA-ASI further demonstrates its ability to meet the stringent demands of the global defense market. The framework’s widespread recognition ensures that GA-ASI can expand operations and offer high-quality, compliant maintenance services to international customers, ultimately driving company growth in global markets.

This certification offers significant operational and financial benefits for both GA-ASI and its customers. For GA-ASI, the approval reduces future oversight costs by leveraging the DSAE Audit Team’s oversight activities, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective certification process for future non-French EMAR customers. For customers, the EMAR/FR 145 approval provides a framework recognized internationally, offering a streamlined maintenance certification process. The recognition agreements between EMAR and non-EMAR countries allow future customers to leverage GA-ASI’s French approval, saving time and resources compared to a full certification effort.

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GA-ASI Completes First Flight of Belgium’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 25 March 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Belgian Ministry of Defence completed the first flight of a new MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that will be the first SkyGuardian delivered to Belgium as part of a four-aircraft purchase. The flight was based out of GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California and took place on February 20, 2025.

First flight is part of a series of ground and flight tests conducted to validate the performance of the Belgian MQ-9B RPA. The objective of the flight was to prove controllability and safe landing of the aircraft. The flight was successful, and the program will move forward with further development flight tests.

“We’re excited to complete the first flight of SkyGuardian for Belgium,” said Chris Dusseault, vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “Belgium joins the U.K.’s Royal Air Force and will become the second country to take delivery of our MQ-9B in Europe.”

MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range—with auto takeoff and landing under pole-to-pole SATCOM-only control—and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® models, with multiple deliveries made to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force (Protector), as well as orders from Canada, Poland, the Japan Coast Guard, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Belgium also includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS).

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

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DroneShield Launches UAS Incident Platform to Enhance Situational Awareness for Customers

Wednesday, March 26th, 2025

DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its UAS Incident platform, a powerful new tool designed to provide DroneShield customers with comprehensive insights by sector into drone-related incidents worldwide.

The UAS Incident platform aggregates and analyses open-source data, offering real-time intelligence on drone activities, security breaches, and emerging drone threats. This unique platform enables customers to track, assess, and respond to drone-related risks more effectively by leveraging a continuously updated repository of incidents. It also enables clients to conduct their own analysis on emerging trends, specific to their safety and security risk profile.

“Our new UAS Incident platform is a game-changer for both our military and civilian customers alike,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO and Managing Director at DroneShield.

“With drone incidents on the rise globally, access to timely and relevant data is critical for organisations to enhance their security posture and stay ahead of potential drone threats. The UAS Incident platform helps to deliver exactly that.”

Image: DroneShield UAS Incidents Page strengthens situational awareness and supports informed decision-making in an increasingly complex airspace environment.

The UAS Incident platform is available to DroneShield customers through the Customer Portal, and complements the company’s suite of industry-leading counter-drone solutions. Through the platform, users can filter incidents by region, sector and impact

By integrating the latest intelligence on drone threats, the UAS Incident platform strengthens situational awareness and supports informed decision-making in an increasingly complex airspace environment.

DroneShield will be showcasing its UAS Incident platform at the Avalon Airshow (Stand 1K20), demonstrating its capabilities and how it empowers organisations with cutting-edge intelligence to combat drone threats. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the platform in action and learn more about its real-world applications.

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