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DroneShield Receives Its Initial GSA Order

Friday, March 18th, 2022

DroneShield is pleased to advise it has received its initial order via a GSA schedule from a U.S. Government law enforcement and public safety agency.

GSA Schedule (U.S. General Services Administration, or also referred to as Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) and Federal Supply Schedule) is a United States long-term government-wide contract with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial supplies (products) and services.

DroneShield products are available for U.S. State, local, and tribal governments through GSA Multiple Award Schedule under Special Item Number (SIN) 334290, or alternatively via GSA’s Cooperative Purchasing Program.

The public safety project includes multiple DroneSentry-C2, DroneShield’s enterprise command-and-control system, DroneShield RfOne long-range UAS direction finder sensors, and RadarZero small form-factor radar.

Matt McCrann, CEO of DroneShield LLC (DroneShield U.S. subsidiary), commented, “State, local and tribal governments have a growing need for drone detection solutions. Often the procurement process presents complexity for Government end users to field the capabilities needed across their organizations. Our availability on the GSA Schedule provides an easy-to-use contract vehicle for them to acquire this capability and field effective counterdrone solutions. With DroneShield solutions now on GSA, Government agencies have the confidence of receiving proven products at competitive pricing.”

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield CEO, added, “We welcome onboard our first customer through GSA, and anticipate for this to be one of numerous U.S. deployments. Purchasing via GSA is also a great indicator of increasing maturity and scale of the C-UAS market, whereby the acquisitions move from experimental budgets to streamlined large acquisition processes.”

Further information about DroneShield’s law enforcement C-UAS solutions can be found at www.droneshield.com/law-enforcement.

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TEKEVER AR5 Successfully Integrates Overwatch Imaging’s PT-8 Oceanwatch Payload

Monday, March 7th, 2022

World Defense Show, March, 7th 2022 – TEKEVER, the European leader in Maritime Surveillance, and US-based Overwatch Imaging, a leader in airborne imaging systems for both piloted aircraft and drones, have successfully integrated the PT-8 Oceanwatch payload on the TEKEVER AR5 UAV, adding 360º automatic small target detection capabilities to the system. The news was announced in Riyadh, during the World Defense Show.

VIDEO – we.tl/t-nlUQDi6ULy

“The Overwatch Imaging payload enhances the situational awareness capabilities of the TEKEVER AR5, namely for 360º automatic detection of small targets. Like a radar, the sensor automatically detects targets, and allows the operator to recognize and validate the information. Because it’s based on visual data, the PT-8 Oceanwatch allows us to consider very significant information for automatic classification, such as the color of the targets. We believe it will greatly help us improve mission effectiveness”, said Tiago Nunes, TEKEVER’s Director of Products.

“The TEKEVER AR5 UAV is a very capable system with a large payload capacity and multiple state-of-the-art sensors operating simultaneously,” said Greg Davis, CEO of Overwatch Imaging. “Our PT-8 Oceanwatch enhances the system capabilities with AI software, creating an even more powerful maritime patrol UAS.”

The AR5 is a Medium-Altitude/Medium-Endurance, Fixed Wing UAS designed for missions such as land and maritime surveillance, extended patrols, and search & rescue. It is capable of BRLOS (beyond radio line of sight) by way of satellite communications. The AR5 offers superior performance with reduced operating costs, using a satcom terminal and multiple sensors that operate simultaneously.

The Overwatch Imaging PT-8 Oceanwatch is a passive image-based radar system that enables much faster search for small or long-range maritime objects compared to traditional maritime patrol systems that use video or human-based search alone. Oceanwatch combines multiple high-resolution cameras and AI-enabled processing at the edge to automatically identify objects in water during the day and at night.

www.tekever.com

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DroneShield – Teledyne FLIR Collaboration and First Marquee Customer

Thursday, March 3rd, 2022

DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”), a global leader in artificial intelligence solutions for advanced unmanned threats, and Teledyne FLIR, a world leader in intelligent sensing solutions for defense and industrial applications, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, have announced a collaboration to offer a joint sensing and mitigation solution for unmanned aerial threats.

As part of the collaboration, Teledyne FLIR is extending its counter-UAS thermal imaging sensing technology to the DroneShield platform, which has developed and applied its powerful AI and machine learning software algorithms via radiofrequency (RF) sensing and computer vision technologies. The addition of Teledyne FLIR thermal camera hardware and expertise will enable military customers to improve detection, including identifying and tracking numerous unmanned threats in the thermal and RF spectrums at considerable range, providing a unique and ground-breaking capability offered within a single system.

The combined sensor offering has secured an initial marquee customer, a major Western military agency, which will be deploying the combined system at one of the best-known military testing ranges in the world.

Image: DroneShield DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control system with Teledyne FLIR thermal imaging sensing technology

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield CEO, commented, “With the ability to detect, identify, and track threats in the thermal and RF spectrums via powerful artificial intelligence algorithms, DroneShield and Teledyne FLIR offer a unique and differentiated capability, poised to augment a substantial number of multi-sensor C-UAS systems globally. We are thrilled to enter this collaboration. We are already working together on multiple tier-one global opportunities, including having jointly secured the initial marquee DoD customer for our combined offering, which incorporates our radiofrequency sensors and DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control system. The joint system’s capability, plus the combination of Teledyne FLIR and DroneShield channels to market, strongly positions the combined system for a meaningful-scale rollout with Five Eyes partners and approved allies globally.”

“The unmatched Teledyne FLIR thermal imaging hardware and analytics for counter UAS, along with DroneShield’s RF sensors and unique AI software algorithms, provide a differentiated and substantial value-add to allied defence departments,” said Kai Moncino, Director of Global Business Development – Solutions, Teledyne FLIR. “Teledyne FLIR is thrilled to work closely with DroneShield to secure our first marquee proof-of-concept DoD customer at the iconic deployment location, and we look forward to expanding on our collaboration with DroneShield globally.”

Image: Teledyne FLIR thermal image sensor at a DroneShield facility

Further Information
Oleg Vornik
CEO and Managing Director

Email: oleg.vornik@droneshield.com

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XTEND Brings the Metaverse to the Modern Battlefield, as it Launches its Next Generation XTENDER Tactical sUAS system, with Resilient Indoor-Outdoor Navigation Capability and Integrated, Proprietary Drone-Teaming Technology

Friday, February 25th, 2022

For the first time, the system’s unique capabilities enable combat soldiers to perform entire missions remotely, with just a few hours of training, actively affecting the operational scenario, with zero contact with hostile forces.

17 Feb. 2022, Washington. XTEND – a company specializing in human-guided autonomous drone operating systems for military forces and law enforcement agencies – is launching the second generation of its indoor tactical sUAS system – the XTENDER.

The revolutionary micro-tactical ISR platform, with built-in resilient indoor-outdoor navigation and AI capabilities, enables remote completion of missions. Powered by “Skylord”, XTEND’s unique human-centric operating system, the XTENDER features complete localization and situational awareness, using the most advanced virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies, coupled with advanced AI and machine learning flight algorithms, bringing the metaverse to the modern battlefield.

The new XTENDER boasts powerful edge computing capabilities, providing onboard sensor fusion and localization that enable the drone to easily fly in any environment. The new onboard mission computer also enables the drone to run AI-driven applications, providing the operator with real-life actionable intelligence, such as target classification, verification, and tracking.

Using patented Drone-Teaming and Mark & Fly technologies, both integrated into the operating system, the new generation of the XTENDER enables multiple drones to enter a remote target site carrying various payloads, perform the required tasks with extreme precision, and seamlessly exit, regardless of any indoor-outdoor transition limitations or GNSS-denied locations.

With the second-generation XTENDER, any operator – even with zero flight experience – can perform accurate recon and data collection tasks – such as close-quarters combat (CQB) clearance, IED and tripwire identification, and enemy detection – in complex urban environments, without any physical contact with hostile forces.

Made in the U.S., the small, wearable lightweight XTENDER has a natural hand-gesture controller and is affordable, versatile, and easy to use, with minimal training and maintenance.

“Having deployed UAS in combat for 20 years, we are excited about XTENDER because, for the first time, forces can now carry out indoor missions without approaching the combat arena, and without putting themselves at risk,” says Steve Ball, Sales Operations Manager of XTEND. “This platform applies the wealth of knowledge held by our team, which is 100% comprised of army and Special Operations Forces veterans. It is this authentic insider view of forces’ experience in the battlefield that makes our solutions so successful.”

The XTENDER has already been operationally deployed by the US DoD, the Israeli MOD, and in other countries. XTEND is now expanding its activity in the United Kingdom as well, another major market for its innovative, combat-proven systems.

www.XTEND.me

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State of Texas Signs Contract Framework with DroneShield

Sunday, February 20th, 2022

DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) an Australian/US global leader in Artificial Intelligence based platforms for protection against advanced threats such as drones and autonomous systems, has entered into a contract framework with the State of Texas for simplified purchase of its solutions by state and local government, education, and other public entities.

The contract has been signed following a substantive due diligence process over the past 18 months. It is now active and valid for a 5-year acquisition period until February 2027.

By adding DroneShield to its state-wide law enforcement procurement vehicle, the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) provides a streamlined purchasing path to any Texas agency requiring immediate protection from the threat of rogue drones.

DroneShield DroneSentry mobile solution deployed for a U.S. Government customer

DroneShield’s DIR contract products include eight-week threat-assessment packages for agencies who need to evaluate the quantity and types of drones operating in their area, as well as turn-key counter-drone detection, classification, tracking, and defeat solutions. DroneShield’s comprehensive counter-drone products deliver hand-held protection, go-anywhere vehicle-mounted defense, and persistent long-range security for fixed sites.

“DroneShield has heard loudly and clearly that state and local government agencies need immediate and reliable protection from drones operated by bad actors. It’s a rapidly increasing threat,” explained DroneShield’s US CEO Matt McCrann. “We are pleased that our contract with DIR will enable accelerated deployment options of industry-leading counter-drone protection to Texas government end users.”

Global defense, law enforcement, and commercial entities rely on DroneShield solutions. US customers include state agencies, the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and nuclear agencies.

Additional information about the contract is available at dir.texas.gov/contracts/dir-cpo-4917. Additional solutions are also available via DroneShield’s GSA Schedule 47QSWA19D001M, accessible to state buyers eligible for the GSA Cooperative Purchasing Program.

Additional information about the system can be found at www.droneshield.com.

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AeroVironment Awarded $8.5 Million Puma AE Unmanned Aircraft Systems Foreign Military Sales Contract for U.S. Ally

Thursday, February 17th, 2022

• Portable, rugged Puma 3 All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft system provides immediate tactical reconnaissance capabilities for land and maritime operations

• Foreign Military Sales program promotes interoperability among U.S. and allied forces for joint operations

The Puma 3 All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft system operates autonomously, providing persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting data. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bill Dodge/Released) Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 15, 2022 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it received a $8,541,428 firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract award on Jan. 27, 2022 to provide Puma™ 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), initial spares packages, training and support to an allied nation. Delivery is anticipated by November 2022.

“Combat-proven, versatile and reliable, Puma 3 AE provides persistent situational awareness, critical force protection and force multiplication capabilities to small tactical units conducting operations in salt water, fresh water or on land,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAS.

AeroVironment’s Puma 3 AE delivers mission critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in all environments. Puma 3 AE has a wingspan of 9.2 feet (2.8 meters), weighs 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) and can operate for up to 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA). Multi-mission capable, operators can swap between Mantis™ i45 and the enhanced night variant Mantis i45 N for day, night and low-light operations. Puma 3 AE is launchable by hand, bungee, rail, or vehicle, and recoverable by deep-stall landing, providing class-leading capabilities in challenging environments around the world.

AeroVironment’s small UAS comprises the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory, and its rapidly growing international customer base numbers more than 50 allied governments. To learn more, visit www.avinc.com.

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AeroVironment Awarded $10.5 Million Puma LE Unmanned Aircraft Systems Foreign Military Sales Contract for U.S. Ally

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

• Puma LE (Long Endurance) provides Group 2 capabilities in a Group 1 footprint and features up to 6.5 hours of flight endurance for an extended time on station – all in a two-case mission packout

• Customer joins growing number of allied government forces fielding AeroVironment’s advanced, battle-proven small unmanned aircraft systems

• Foreign Military Sales program promotes interoperability among U.S. and allied forces for joint operations

Puma LE weighs only 23.5 pounds (10.7 kilograms) and is launchable by hand or bungee, making it easy to deploy and recover in any environment. (Image: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 9, 2022 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it received a $10,534,348 firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract award on Jan. 21, 2022. The contract includes the delivery of Puma™ LE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over a six-year period to an allied nation, as well as add-on air vehicle kits, initial spares packages, training and support.

“With the adoption of Puma LE and other AeroVironment small UAS, customers are equipping their frontline forces with the ability to see and operate beyond the horizon, gathering on-demand intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance that can ultimately save lives,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAS.

Weighing only 23.5 pounds (10.7 kilograms), the ultra-lightweight Puma LE is hand or bungee launchable. The aircraft comes equipped with the Mantis™ i45 gimbaled EO/IR sensor suite and secondary payload bay with dedicated power supply and Ethernet for a total payload capacity of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms). On-board batteries provide up to 6.5 hours of flight endurance with an operational range of 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) when used with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA) and Puma Smart 2500 Battery.

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DroneShield Successfully Integrates with US Govt Team Awareness Kit (TAK)

Thursday, February 3rd, 2022

DroneShield (ASX:DRO), an Australian-U.S. global leader in Artificial Intelligence based platforms for protection against advanced threats such as drones and autonomous systems, has today announced that their Sensor and Command-and-Control platforms are now fully compliant with the U.S. Government’s Team Awareness Kit (TAK). The TAK system, originally developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is used extensively throughout the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Allied forces.

This critical integration allows for operators in the field to receive detailed threat detection information to improve their situational awareness, in a common format compliant across a range of systems. DroneShield sensors including RfPatrol, RfOne and DroneSentry-X are now able to stream data directly to TAK servers providing both command Operations Centres and field operators access to the real-time sensor information and intelligence.

In addition, DroneShield’s Command-and-Control (C2) platform, DroneSentry-C2, which utilizes the latest in AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML) and Sensor Fusion technologies, is compliant with the TAK communication standard. This enables operators to take full advantage of DroneShield’s distributed sensor network, integrating data from multiple sensors and sensor modalities including radar, radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical (EO) and thermal recognition to provide a seamless and integrated picture of threat assessments onto their personal TAK device. Both DroneShield sensors and the C2 system have implemented the Cursor-on-Target (CoT) protocol as the means of sending information to TAK and interoperable systems. The CoT protocol is widely used amongst US prime contractor platforms and their U.S. DoD, Federal Law Enforcement, and Allied Forces customers.

DroneShield Chief Technology Officer, Angus Bean, commented, “Battlespace is rapidly evolving, and robotic platforms continue to be both a central capability and a threat to Allied forces. It is critical that DroneShield technology can meaningfully contribute to building this battlespace awareness. Common operating platforms such as TAK empower wide-ranging technologies and to generate a cross-compatible system of sensors and operating platforms.”

Additional information about the system can be found at www.droneshield.com.

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