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Israel MOD to Procure Thousands of Drones from XTEND Worth Millions of Dollars

Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Defence Procurement Directorate (DPD) announced that XTEND has won a tender, worth millions of dollars, to supply thousands of FPV (First Person View) drones to the IDF Ground Forces, equipped with advanced technology. The project is being led by the IDF’s Ground Forces and Technological and Logistics Directorate.

Led by the DPD’s Deputy for Air and Naval Procurement Unit, this domestic ‘Blue and White’ procurement is part of IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram’s comprehensive strategy to strengthen Israel’s defense production capacity and local industries while maintaining full support for IDF operational needs now and in the intense decade ahead.

The drones will be delivered to the IDF over the coming months alongside comprehensive training and instruction programs provided by the company, and are expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Ground Forces while delivering optimal solutions to modern warfare challenges.

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PDW Unveils New 90,000 Sq Ft Manufacturing Facility to Accelerate Delivery of Tactical Drones

Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

PDW Unveils New 90,000 Sq Ft Manufacturing Facility to Accelerate Delivery of Tactical Drones

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., August 21, 2025: PDW (Performance Drone Works) has officially opened Drone Factory 01, its new 90,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The massive facility exponentially increases PDW’s production capacity and reinforces the company’s role as a leading provider of battlefield-ready unmanned aircraft systems. Located in close proximity to the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal, PDW’s new facility will house the team delivering drones designed, engineered and manufactured in America.

Purpose-built to support rapid iteration and full-rate production of the C100 multi-mission UAS and the AM-FPV attritable munition, the facility was built to meet and exceed the surging demand from U.S. and allied forces. Drone Factory 01(DF01) will bring the full production lifecycle of PDW’s products under one roof – from design and manufacturing to flight test and delivery. The new facility vastly increases the company’s build rates and output capacity, enabling the production of 350 C100s and 5,000 AM-FPVs per month.

“There is a national imperative and ethical duty to provide our warfighters and first responders with the most technologically advanced and operationally capable tools possible. This facility gives us the scale, speed, and control needed to deliver mission-critical systems ahead of the threat,” said Ryan Gury, PDW CEO and co-founder. “The ever-evolving battlefield and global threat landscape demand reliable multi-mission unmanned systems capable of rapid production at scale. Drone Factory 01 will allow us to produce these systems, deliver to operators in the field, and iterate as needed faster than ever before.”

Renowned for its modular architecture, PDW’s C100 enables interoperability with dozens of payloads to maximize reconnaissance, range, and impact. The company has received numerous contracts from the U.S. Army, including the Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) program and Transformation in Contact Initiative. C100 also provides mission-critical capabilities for public safety operations, closing the preparedness gap and giving front line forces an exponential edge.

“Huntsville is more than our headquarters. It’s our edge. The innovation coming out of this city is reshaping the pace of defense manufacturing,” said PDW COO and President James Slider. “We’re not reacting to demand; we’re setting the pace. This facility proves what’s possible when the right people are in the right place with the right mission.”

Huntsville’s rich history in missile production and rocketry provides a strong foundation for PDW to build the future of unmanned technology. With the establishment of DF01, PDW is introducing over 500 new jobs in the greater Huntsville area and spurring an economic impact totaling over $81 million per year. The state-of-the-art facility features production at scale, materials management and robust quality engineering capabilities. It also features 99.9% pathogen reduction via Lit Thinking’s Visium Far-UVC devices, ensuring DF01 is the cleanest drone manufacturing facility in the world.

“PDW is an innovation engine for national defense and an economic catalyst for Huntsville,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “This expansion brings high-quality jobs, strengthens our advanced manufacturing sector, and reinforces Huntsville’s position as a strategic hub for defense and aerospace. We’re proud to have PDW growing here and contributing to our community’s future.”

PDW OPENS DRONE FACTORY 01 FACILITY IN HUNTSVILLE, ALA.

“PDW’s new drone factory is a powerful example of Alabama’s ability to support cutting-edge manufacturing at the highest level,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “This facility in Huntsville will not only deliver critical technology to our nation’s warfighters and first responders, but it will also bring over 500 high-quality jobs and millions in economic impact to the community. Alabama is proud to stand alongside PDW as they advance innovation, strengthen our national defense and create opportunity for our people.”

“Today is the day the least number of drones will exist in the world – it’s all growth from here,” continued Gury. “We’re confident that Drone Factory 01 will be a prominent contributor to the rapid production and adoption of small UAS on a global scale for both military and public safety operations. DF01 is just the beginning of PDW’s response to the national imperative to establish American drone dominance and we look forward to DF02 and beyond.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release, UAS | 2 Comments »

NZ Army Embraces Race to Latest Drone Technology

Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

The New Zealand Army is using local technology as it explores the rapidly expanding field of drone warfare and tackling FPV (first-person view) technology with the capability for offensive strikes.

26 AUGUST, 2025

Drones, or uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), have become a critical part of the NZ Army’s intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in recent years, and perform a crucial role in its overall combat system.

“UAS are now a ubiquitous part of modern military operations, from humanitarian assistance operations to high-intensity combat,” said the NZ Army’s UAS lead, Captain Richard Adams.

“We must continuously adapt with urgency to ensure our personnel are given the tools they need.

“Based on reporting from Ukraine, drones now account for approximately 70 per cent of casualties on the modern battlefield. The ability to both effectively operate drones, and protect against them, is crucial.”

Drones were increasingly considered to be as common as a rifle, however they were only one platform within a system, and the NZ Army was working to integrate them alongside more traditional systems and other emerging technology, Captain Adams said.

The NZ Army is an active participant in and supporter of the Ukrainian Drone Capability Coalition, for which the New Zealand Government has contributed $8 million to date.

“Our participation in that coalition has been key to understanding this technology as it rapidly evolves,” Captain Adams said.

Last week, 10 qualified drone pilots were trained on FPV platforms at Burnham Military Camp on a course led by 2st/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR).

New Zealand-based drone companies Kiwi Quads and Fenix provided drones that could be 3D printed and assembled on site.

Course instructor Sergeant Lachlan McDonald said they were low-cost, easy to build and offered an additional effect to ISR – they could deliver an offensive strike on a target.

“It is an exciting time, with new technology rapidly emerging around the world and changing the way combat occurs on the modern battlefield – we want to keep pace with that innovation and find ways to deliver the most effective warfighting unit,” he said.

Captain Adams said while the NZ Army currently did not operate FPV systems, their impact on the modern battlefield was clear.

“We are actively looking to introduce these systems. The work being done at 2/1 RNZIR is a key step in identifying those soldiers who have the aptitude and ability to operate these systems.”

Next month, NZ Army personnel will test their drone-piloting skills against the best in the world, with a tri-Service team heading to the United Kingdom to compete in the 14-nation Military International Drone Racing Tournament.

Such competitions allow NZ Army personnel to enhance their skillsets across a variety of platforms.

“Providing the necessary training to develop their skills further puts us in the best possible position to adopt this capability at pace,” Captain Adams said.

Via NZDF

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Prince Joachim Inaugurates MDSI’s New Headquarters

Tuesday, August 26th, 2025

Kongens Lyngby, August 20, 2025 – His Royal Highness Prince Joachim today officially inaugurated MDSI’s new headquarters in Kongens Lyngby. The event marked a significant milestone for MDSI, highlighting both the company’s growth and its ambition to strengthen Denmark’s role in Europes Armament.

The inauguration ceremony included a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, presentations of key innovation projects, and the official ribbon-cutting led by His Royal Highness. Employees, partners, and invited guests attended the event, creating a memorable day that underscored MDSI’s role as an emerging leader in its field.

“We are honored that His Royal Highness took part in this special occasion,” said David Wagner Reinhard, Chief Executive Officer of MDSI. “This inauguration represents the next chapter in our journey as a company, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, international collaboration, and Denmark’s contribution to global security.”

“It is a pleasure to witness the inauguration of MDSI’s new headquarters. Danish companies like MDSI contribute not only to technological advancement, but also to Denmark’s international reputation for innovation and excellence,” said His Royal Highness Prince Joachim.

The day concluded with a reception, where guests had the opportunity to experience the company’s vision for the future and to see firsthand how the new facilities will support upcoming UAV production projects.

www.mdsi.dk

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DroneShield Expands Ukrainian Presence Through Partnership, Accelerating AI-Driven Counter-Drone Capability

Tuesday, August 26th, 2025

Local partnership strengthens support for Ukraine as DroneShield scales AI-powered defenses worldwide

Sydney, Australia – 21 August 2025 –DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone (CUAS) technology for over a decade, today announced the expansion of its support for Ukrainian customers via a newly established, undisclosed local partnership. Since the onset of hostilities, DroneShield has been a trusted CUAS provider in Ukraine, with its battle-tested systems defending military, infrastructure, and civilian assets against evolving aerial threats.

Drawing on eleven years as a technology pure play in the CUAS sector, DroneShield has leveraged operational feedback from Ukraine to drive rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) within its detection and mitigation systems. This real-world experience, under the most challenging conditions, has materially sharpened DroneShield’s AI—increasing detection speed, accuracy, and adaptability in the face of novel drone tactics.

“The conflict in Ukraine has crystallized what forward-looking militaries already recognized: the need for advanced, adaptive counter-drone solutions is now a matter of national resilience, not optional investment,”said Oleg Vornik, Chief Executive Officer of DroneShield. “Our work in Ukraine, while only one element of our global operations, has proven pivotal in advancing the sophistication of our AI, with profound benefits for all our users worldwide.”

This new partnership will ensure DroneShield’s Ukrainian customers receive robust local support, rapid technology updates, and ongoing intelligence sharing with headquarters—while maintaining operational security through strict confidentiality.

DroneShield reiterated that Ukraine, while symbolically significant and technologically vital, represents a relatively small share of a broad global market. Active across more than 40 countries including major deployments in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, DroneShield continues to meet surging demand for its AI-powered counter-UAS solutions driven by a rising global recognition: no allied nation can afford to wait for conflict before adopting resilient, next-generation drone defense.

All inquiries regarding Ukrainian operations should be directed exclusively to info@droneshield.com for secure routing.

DroneShield’s RfPatrol Mk2 deployed in Ukraine

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Lantronix Solution Powers U.S. Army-Approved Teal Drones, a Red Cat Holdings Co., Unlocking Secure Edge AI Growth Opportunity

Sunday, August 24th, 2025

Lantronix Enables TAA- and NDAA-Compliant Edge AI Solution, Supporting Sensitive U.S. Government Missions and Expanding Long-Term Defense Market Positioning IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 18, 2025 – Lantronix Inc.(NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader in compute and connectivity IoT solutions powering Edge AI applications, today announced that its TAA- and NDAA-compliant solution was selected by Teal Drones, a Red Cat Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT) company, for production of its Black Widow™ drones under the U.S. Army’s Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program. Lantronix has already initiated production shipments, providing early revenue visibility and underscoring Lantronix’s role as a trusted technology partner for mission?critical defense applications.

The Lantronix solution, based on the Qualcomm® Dragonwing™ QRB5165 processor, delivers advanced Edge AI processing while meeting stringent U.S. security requirements, enabling full TAA and NDAA compliance for deployment in sensitive Department of Defense (DoD) missions. The combination of AI performance and compliance creates a sustainable advantage for Lantronix in the rapidly expanding defense and autonomous systems market.

As part of a select group of Blue UAS-approved small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) vendors, Teal Drones must meet rigorous cybersecurity, operational and safety standards for DoD use. Lantronix’s compliant solution enables Teal to meet these requirements, positioning its Black Widow drones for deployment in frontline missions.

“Black Widow drones are redefining what’s possible for small unmanned systems, giving today’s warfighters real-time intelligence and the operational edge they need on the modern battlefield,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “Lantronix’s solution enables us to meet the U.S. Army’s rigorous TAA and NDAA compliance standards under the SRR Program — a level of assurance few providers can match.”

With the global drone market projected to reach $57.8 billion by 2030 (Drone Industry Insights’ 2025–2030 Global Drone Market Report), Lantronix’s presence in the secure defense and commercial drone segment creates multi-year, high-margin growth opportunities.

“Lantronix has established itself as a leader in the Edge AI market, delivering innovative, compliance?driven solutions for the growing drone sector,” said Saleel Awsare, CEO and president of Lantronix. “Our collaboration with Teal Drones underscores our ability to bring secure, high?performance products to market at scale, creating long?term opportunities with leading global brands.”

Lantronix solutions and Engineering Services combine embedded compute technology, compliance expertise and flexible software support to accelerate customer product development. This scalable platform approach not only enables rapid time?to?market for Teal Drones but also positions Lantronix to support future defense and industrial IoT programs requiring TAA and NDAA compliance.

Learn more about Lantronix’s Engineering Services, SOM solutions and additional Drone Applications at Lantronix.com.

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Signal Corps Radio-Controlled Drones: Origins of the UAS Program

Saturday, August 23rd, 2025

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are a hallmark of the transforming mission of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command as it embraces the principles behind Army Continuous Transformation. Modern UAS technology is touted as the future of the force, capable of performing a wide array of tasks while keeping Soldiers safe from harm. Although UAS use has been highlighted in recent news coverage of war-fighting efforts across the globe, the basis for current developments begins with the Signal Corps almost 70 years ago.

The CECOM Historical Archive collection documents the use of drone technology for surveillance throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, a natural progression of the U.S. Army Signal Corps’ historic aviation and photography missions.

An article in the March-April 1956 edition of “Tec-Tac,” Technical and Tactical Training Aid Nonresident Conference Course, produced by The Signal School, Fort Monmouth, NJ, highlights the early development of drone technology for surveillance, written for the knowledge of Signal Soldiers.

Development by the Signal Corps of a new camera-carrying drone will give the combat commander front-line aerial surveillance photographs in less than an hour and at no risk to personnel. The drone, a radio-controlled aerial target plane, was equipped at the Army Electronic Proving Ground (at Fort Huachuca, AZ) for its aerial surveillance mission. The drone can fly in excess of 200 miles an hour and climb at a rate of several thousand feet a minute. Although its take-off is jet-assisted, the drone operates on a gasoline motor-driven propeller while in the air. Equipped with still and motion picture cameras, the drone provides aerial photographic coverage at altitudes from a few hundred feet up to more than four miles.

That same year, a captioned photograph depicted Soldiers operating radio remote controls that could pilot a television robot plane up to 40 miles away. The unmanned aircraft transmitted aerial views of distant sites, using lightweight television equipment developed at the Army’s Signal Corps Engineering Laboratories at Fort Monmouth. The airborne TV station weighed 135 pounds, less than a human pilot.

Development continued through the late 1950s and early 1960s, with the 1957 experiments of a Night Hawk drone, a nighttime photo system, and a still picture camera installed in Target Drone RP-71; the surveillance drone SD-2 of 1959 tested at Yuma Proving Ground, and the 1962 Infrared Surveillance System AN/UAS-4.

In Germany, a photograph taken in April 1960 documents the men of the Drone Section USA Surveillance Unit, Europe, lined up behind the SD-1 Surveillance Drone that flew the first and one hundredth Surveillance Drone flight in Europe as a demonstration for Secretary of Defense Thomas S. Gates, Jr. This was the next-to-last demonstration — the last one was for AUSA members.

In 1965, however, the Army Chief of Staff directed the Army Materiel Command that funds would not be expended on a complete drone system until formal requirements for drones were established, and a study was conducted regarding the need for drones, weighing the desired capabilities against the complexity of operations, maintenance, and training. As the U.S. began operations in Southeast Asia in the mid-1960s, the widespread testing and development of the technology vanished from the historical record, likely due to the densely forested landscape of Vietnam that limited the effectiveness of this type of developing surveillance technology. By 1966, many of the programs that were being developed and tested were declared obsolete, and the technologies and resources were reallocated to other areas across the U.S. Army Electronics Command, a CECOM predecessor.

Though sidelined in the 1960s due to mission needs and the changing face of warfare, the Signal Corps’ drone program laid the foundation for the autonomous systems and capabilities that continue to shape the future of military operations.

By Susan Thompson, CECOM Command Historian

Posted in Army, Guest Post, History, UAS | 1 Comment »

Army Accelerates Long Range Reconnaissance UAS Capability

Saturday, August 23rd, 2025

The Army recently awarded contracts to AeroVironment and Edge Autonomy to rapidly deliver initial Long-Range Reconnaissance (LRR) systems. The AeroVironment P550 and Edge Autonomy Stalker Block 35X are Group 2 UAS designed to provide Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) organic to maneuver battalions. Capabilities include an open systems architecture, allowing quick integration of additional capabilities to meet ground commanders’ mission requirements, primarily at the Battalion level.

By working with multiple vendors, the Army continues to foster healthy, continued competition to ensure the Warfighter receives the best solutions quickly. The Army will use these initial LRR systems to establish operator training that remains Military Occupational Skill (MOS) agnostic, enabling any Soldier to operate the platforms and will begin fielding to operational units later this year as part of the Transformation in Contact 2.0 initiative.

The LRR program directly supports the Secretary of Defense’s July memorandum on “Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance,” demonstrating the Army’s commitment to advancing drone technology and operational effectiveness.

A force-multiplier, LRR UAS will provide maneuver battalion commanders with increased RSTA capability organic to their formation. The Army anticipates additional LRR system selections in the future.

The Program Executive Office Aviation, through the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Project Office, equips Soldiers with cutting-edge tools to meet evolving mission demands and ensures the Army maintains tactical superiority on the battlefield.

Courtesy Story

Program Executive Office, Aviation

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