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28 Aug 25. New US Army Course Trains Soldiers to 3D Print FPV Drones. The U.S. Army is training soldiers to 3D print drone components as part of its new Unmanned Advanced Lethality Course (UALC). Headed by the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE), UALC trains military personnel in producing, maintaining, and operating small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including first-person view (FPV) drones. The three-week course seeks to accelerate America’s drone-warfare capabilities and prevent the nation from falling behind foreign adversaries like Russia and China. “This course is a catch-up,” said UALC director Captain Rachel Martin. “We’re behind globally, and this is our aggressive attempt to close that gap.” UALC aims to provide a pathway for participants to build their own unit-level drone program, scaling knowledge throughout the Army. Based at Fort Rucker, Alabama, the program trains soldiers to build and repair drone components with additive manufacturing technology. Soldiers learn to operate resin, filament, and carbon fiber 3D printers, and to design and modify parts using CAD software and STL files. UALC also plans to create a centralized file repository that students can access and use to 3D print drones after returning to their units.
“Eventually, we want students to build and test their own FPV bodies,” commented Major Wolf Amacker, who heads the AVCOE Directorate of Training and Doctrine UAS and Tactics Branch. “We’re teaching and learning from the force on what’s possible and how to sustain these systems in the field.” Lt. Veronica Jordan
U.S. Army Introduces New FPV Training Program
The U.S. Army’s new training program builds a foundation for standardized UAS use across military functions, enhancing reconnaissance, fires, and maneuver operations. Maj. Amacker said UALC’s goal is to “train the most people, the quickest, on FPV systems that are having a real impact on the battlefield.”
The program starts with classroom instruction, where soldiers develop FPV flight skills using off-the-shelf drones and simulation software. After 20-25 hours of simulation, they advance to live flight exercises at the Army’s Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) site. Here, soldiers develop fire support integration, learning how to adjust fire using drone video feeds. Currently, 28 students from across the Army are enrolled in the course, including infantry soldiers, cavalry scouts, 15W and 15E aviation personnel, and warrant officers. Many participants are reportedly self-taught hobbyists or informal drone experts. The course aims to empower soldiers to return to their units as “trainers and innovators.” Observers from the Maneuver and Fires Centers of Excellence are assessing the UALC and providing feedback for implementation. The Army also expects operational units to create their own basic qualification programs while Fort Rucker becomes the hub for advanced UAS training. Additionally. It also plans to develop a mobile training package (MTP) that will allow units to conduct basic FPV training independently. By integrating 3D printing into soldier training, the UALC will adapt its curriculum to meet evolving technological and tactical needs, ensuring U.S. forces remain at the forefront of unmanned systems employment.
“This is constantly changing,” Amacker said. “We’re building something that can grow with the force.”
U.S. Accelerates Drone 3D Printing Efforts
This new training program is part of the U.S. military’s growing adoption of additive manufacturing to enhance its drone capabilities. During Agile Spirit 25, a multinational training exercise in Eastern Europe, soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade deployed 3D printers to build FPV drones in the field. Hawkeye Platoon, part of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, led the effort. The unit fabricated, assembled, and maintained quadcopter drones on-site, combining printed parts with off-the-shelf components to meet operational needs. Brigade-level funding supports Hawkeye Platoon’s drone operations, including the purchase of C100 drones from Performance Drone Works (PDW). Soldiers 3D print many of the other FPVs in the fleet and design custom payloads for specific battlefield needs. This field-based approach cuts both cost and production time. A recent Department of Defense press release noted that soldiers can build a drone in just a few hours for $400 to $500 each. (Source: UAS VISION/3D Printing Industry)
28 Aug 25. US Wants Shahed Drone Replicas. The US Air Force is seeking to acquire a 1:1 replica of the Shahed-136 drone that Russia deploys against Ukraine and use it for developing and enhancing countermeasures. It must replicate the form, fit, and function of the kamikaze drone, specifically a gas-powered model with a minimum range of 50 miles (80 kilometers). Having GPS-denied capabilities or radar evasion features is not required. The service intends to purchase 16 of these replicated drones, with an option to buy an additional 20 later, according to the request for information. The look-alike must weigh between 55 and 1,320 pounds (25 and 599 kilograms) and fly below 18,000 feet (5,486 meters) at speeds below 250 knots (463 kilometers/287 miles per hour). It must feature an open system architecture to integrate various payloads. Launched from a pneumatic system, the copy must be able to take off and land autonomously. Operation of the uncrewed aerial system, from setup through to cleanup, must be performed by no more than three personnel. Russia’s drone campaign against Ukraine distinctly features the Shaheds, of which Moscow increased its weekly launches from about 200 to over 1,000 since late last year to degrade Ukrainian morale and overwhelm defenses. There are numerous Shahed drone variants, but the Shahed-136 (known as Geran-2 in Russia) stands out as the low-cost, long-range loitering munition posing a prevalent threat on the battlefield. It can reportedly fly at a range of anywhere between 970 and 2,500 kilometers (602 and 1,553 miles) and operate continuously for up to 40 minutes. The Shahed-136 carries an approximately 40-kilogram (88-pound) warhead, sufficient to cause damage to fixed and high-value infrastructure, as well as slow-moving targets. Costing $20,000 to $50,000 each, the low-cost weapon has proven to be an expensive challenge for Western air defense systems and interceptors, which typically cost millions. However, Ukraine and its allies have been developing countermeasures against the “unpredictable” weapon. These include a dedicated first-person view drone, a “Shahed-killer” missile, and an AI-controlled air defense turret. (Source: UAS VISION/The Defense Post)
27 Aug 25. NVL and Kraken establish joint venture for unmanned systems. A joint venture (JV) to be called ‘NVL Kraken’ was announced on 22 August by German shipyard NVL and British company Kraken Technology Group. The JV is intended to provide market-ready, scalable, unmanned platforms of various sizes for applications such as maritime surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure, the companies said. Kraken could benefit by utilising the production facilities at NVL’s shipyard Blohm+Voss in Hamburg, in addition to its UK production facilities, to scale up manufacturing of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). NVL could benefit by incorporating Kraken’s expertise in USV development, moving towards a shipbuilding offering including collaboration between manned and unmanned systems. NVL recently invested in Kraken and has secured options to invest in a further round planned for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025, with both companies saying they will invest substantially in the roll-out of the JV structure. Manufacturing is anticipated to begin as soon as Q4 2025, starting with smaller USVs before moving on to larger ones. Tim Wagner, CEO of NVL, said the fruits of the JV could include “our design concepts for the naval tender vessel NTV 130 as a drone mother ship that could succeed the six tender vessels (the Elbe class) currently operated by the German Navy”. (Source: Janes)
28 Aug 25. UK maritime innovator, ZeroUSV has deployed one of its uncrewed surface vessels (USV) to Troia, Portugal, joining NATO’s largest exercise for autonomous naval systems alongside more than 20 allied nations and global defence primes. The Plymouth-based firm has been competitively selected by the Royal Navy to send one of its 12metre “Oceanus12 class” USV’s to REPMUS_Dynamic Messenger (DYMS) 2025, a three-week exercise programme hosted by the Portuguese Navy off the Tróia Peninsula and Setúbal Bay. Exercise REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems) is a Portuguese led proving ground for maritime autonomy integrated with NATO’s Exercise Dynamic Messenger (DYMS), where navies, defence contractors and technology providers test how uncrewed and crewed fleets can operate together in live missions. ZeroUSV’s pioneering Oceanus12 platform, designed, developed and engineered at the company’s base in Plymouth, is a groundbreaking dual use (defence & civil) USV incorporating a bespoke high voltage electric-hybrid drive train, and full system redundancy not seen on this size and type of vessel before. The Oceanus12 has been designed for extended duration over the horizon autonomous operations. The level 4, fully autonomous AI-enabled vessels, each with a range of up to 2500 nautical miles, are mission agnostic but typically are used to integrate payloads such as hydrographic survey equipment through to advanced surveillance and communications systems and are designed to operate for extended periods without crew while relaying data back to ship or shore in real time. In preparation for REPMUS_DYMS, Oceanus12 has received a significant hardware and sensor upgrade package. The most obvious addition is a custom automated winch, which has been loaded with a thin line towable acoustic array from Optics11 in Holland. ZeroUSV has also rapidly designed and built a prototype sonobuoy launch system – “SOIL” (SOnor Intgrated Launch system) as a very first step in being able to demonstrate capability for launching the Royal Navy’s acoustic sonobuoys, another world first for an autonomous USV. The Ocenaus12 will be tasked with deploying the sonobuoys at the start of the daily exercises in conjunction with those from a crewed support vessel.
Teledyne’s T50 extended range deep water multibeam has been fitted to the gondola/keel and will be used to collect military bathymetric data as part of its extensive CONOPS, while the latest Navtech HD radar has been integrated into the MarineAI, Guardian software stack, increasing the situational awareness for the smallest of objects at up to one km of range. 2025 has been a breakout year for ZeroUSV, with the launch of Oceanus12 vessels one and two in the spring, the sale and purchase of vessel two to Leeway Marine in Halifax, Canada in July and with vessels three and four in advance stages of construction and scheduled for commissioning with potential customers lining up to have access to the latest USV tech. There has also been significant interest from both UK and overseas navies and commercial operators in the offshore energy sector, but REPMUS_DYMS will be the first time its technology is demonstrated directly to NATO decision-makers, and alongside vessels developed by the largest defence contractors in the world.
Matthew Ratsey, founder and managing director at ZeroUSV, said: “Deploying to REPMUS is a fantastic opportunity for us, REPMUS_DYMS provides the backdrop and opportunity for us to be able to ‘spread our wings’ and really show the world how far USV technology has developed over the past few years.
“It’s really where technology stops being talked about as theory and starts being proven at scale. Our vessel is designed to be deployed on long duration over the horizon missions without the need to put sailors’ lives at risk, we now have the chance to show that in live NATO operations.”
In looking forward to zeroUSV’s contribution, the lead planner for the underwater component of REPMUS_DYMS, Mr Ian Danbury OBE, said: “Exercises like REPMUS_DYMS bring navies, researchers and industry together to test uncrewed technology in demanding missions. The involvement of companies such as ZeroUSV ensures NATO can see how emerging systems integrate with conventional fleets and where they can add real value, this is very much the future” Zero’s vessels will remain in Portugal throughout September for integration, live exercises and the closing showcase. The 12metre vessels on board software system has been developed by autonomy software pioneers, Marine AI.
27 Aug 25. Strategic Partnership Between HAVELSAN and the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) in Autonomous UAV Production. HAVELSAN, a global provider of defense software, autonomous technologies, simulation and training systems, command and control solutions, and cybersecurity, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Egypt’s leading industrial organization, the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), for the joint production of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As part of this strategic partnership, the assembly and co-production of autonomous UAVs will be carried out. With the agreement, cost-effective and high-performance solutions tailored to the region will be delivered to meet the needs of both Egypt and the African market.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, HAVELSAN CEO Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar emphasized the importance of the cooperation with the following words: “We are very pleased to work alongside such a strong partner as AOI. This partnership will introduce autonomous UAV technologies to the region, enhance local production capacity, and enable us to enter the African market with strength. As a global brand and a strong player delivering reliable, effective, and innovative solutions, we will continue to develop advanced technologies and create added value for regional markets.”
Chairman of the Board of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) Mokhtar Abdel Latif, highlighted that HAVELSAN’s technological expertise, combined with AOI’s manufacturing capabilities will support Egypt’s defense and technology vision. Abdel Latif stated: “This cooperation is not only about production; it is also a major step towards technological independence and sustainable exports.”
With extensive experience in autonomous technologies and unmanned aerial systems, HAVELSAN has developed the BAHA, BULUT, and BOZBEY sub-cloud unmanned aerial vehicles, delivering proven solutions in the field. These capabilities not only strengthen HAVELSAN’s position in international markets but also enable the company to expand further into new geographies through new partnerships. Through the cooperation agreement signed with AOI, HAVELSAN aims to enter the Egyptian and African markets with competitive and high-performance solutions, while contributing significantly to the regional defense industry ecosystem. The agreement is also expected to strengthen industrial ties between Turkey and Egypt. With this partnership, HAVELSAN will play an important role in delivering high-tech, reliable, and cost-effective solutions across the African market. (Source: ArabianBusiness.com)
27 Aug 25. US Army Producing Second Tranche of Short-Range Reconnaissance Drones. The Army has initiated production of the second tranche of its short-range reconnaissance unmanned aircraft systems, marking a significant step forward in modernizing battlefield capabilities. The Army selected two vendors to manufacture the SRR system, which will equip the Army’s Transformation in Contact units with advanced, networked communication systems designed to address emerging threats. Initial fielding of SRR tranche one began in September 2022, and, to date, the Army has fielded over 16 brigades with this capability. Critical lessons learned and soldier feedback from tranche one were incorporated into tranche two. This strategy of integrating new technologies into future tranches will continue to provide the best UAS capabilities on an accelerated schedule. The TiC initiative is part of a broader Army effort to evaluate how personnel, tactics and technologies align to meet the demands of modern warfare. The program manager for uncrewed aircraft systems remains committed to delivering essential equipment to soldiers in time to support the Army’s strategic objectives. These systems act as force multipliers, enabling precise fires, supporting ground operations with timely intelligence and enhancing operational flexibility and agility. They use cutting-edge sensors to integrate with uncrewed vehicle control, providing real-time intelligence, reconnaissance and target acquisition, empowering commanders with the tools to make rapid and informed decisions. Additionally, SRR systems continue to improve soldier survivability by detecting threats, identifying safe routes and minimizing exposure to hazards, making them indispensable assets on the modern battlefield. The Army’s investment in SRR systems underscores its commitment to advanced technologies that improve combat effectiveness and protect soldiers in increasingly complex operational environments. (Source: U.S. DoD)
27 Aug 25. Conroy confirms LAND 156 systems integration partner. Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy MP has formally announced the winner of the AU$45.6 m systems integration partner contract to support the AU$1.3 bn LAND 156 counter-drone capability program. Defence Connect can officially reveal that Leidos Australia has been selected as the systems integration partner for LAND 156, in a contract worth AU$45.6m six months following the establishment of the program. As part of this contract, Leidos Australia will deliver and evolve the ADF’s Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft System capability as part of the government’s efforts to “continuously deliver” counter-drone capabilities to the ADF. This will address the increasing threat of drones in modern warfare and will support the ADF’s current and future operational requirements and enhance responsiveness to emerging drone threats.
Minister Conroy said, “This project is both a benchmark and a blueprint for how we continue to deliver speed to capability. The structure of Project LAND 156 will ensure Australia stays ahead of the evolution cycle in relation to counter-drone technology, giving the ADF the capabilities it needs.”
The overwhelming majority of the work under Project LAND 156 will be delivered by Australian companies, supporting over 160 Australian jobs and creating up to 80 new jobs. The open architecture approach to the project means more companies can be integrated in the future, providing for more opportunities for the Australian supply chain. In addition to this, the investment will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Under this project, the Australian Army will undertake an initial rapid demonstration of a minimum viable counter-drone capability by December 2025, which will include:
- An Australian command and control capability – the Cortex Command and Control System, developed by Acacia Systems.
- An Australian effector system, delivered by EOS Defence Systems.
- An Australian sensor system, delivered by Department 13.
- Additional sensor and effector systems.
- Services including systems integration and capability assurance, which will be delivered in Australia by Australians.
Minister Conroy added, “Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping our ADF members safe, and that’s why the government is ensuring our soldiers, sailors and aviators are provided with the best technology to protect them.” (Source: Defence Connect)
27 Aug 25. US Navy Fighter Pilots Need to Gain Trust in Pilotless Wingmen by Actually Flying with Them. Naval aviators need to be able to trust any future drone wingmen as much as their human counterparts, a U.S. Navy strike fighter tactics instructor has told TWZ. This echoes past comments from members of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps, and is set to be a critical factor in turning the Navy’s still very nascent and evolving crewed-uncrewed teaming vision into a reality. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mark “Tugboat” Jbeily talked about ‘loyal wingman’ type drones, now commonly called Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), and crewed-uncrewed teaming, and how they factor into his service’s plans for future carrier air wings, with our Jamie Hunter at the Tailhook Association’s annual symposium . Jbeily is a career F/A-18 pilot and TOPGUN graduate currently assigned as an instructor to the Strike Fighter Weapons School SFWSPAC) at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California. “I think, currently, we’re [the Navy] still figuring out exactly what the specific type of [CCA] platform is going to look like, how it’s going to integrate into the air wing, [and] how we’re going to use it for maximal advantage,” Jbeily explained. “But I think some common themes … are going to be consistent regardless of the specific platform, range, vendor, whatever it is. You know, the wings on your chest are a sign of trust, ultimately, right? They represent that you’ve been through an established training pipeline. You’re going to behave in a predictable manner, in a standardized manner. We can trust you with this awesome power of an F-18 or F-35,” he continued. “How do we take that concept of trust and now bring it to collaborative autonomy, or manned-unmanned teaming? How do we train to get them comfortable so, in the same way that if you and I were flying, if you were my wingman, I would know you’re going to behave in a repeatable, consistent [manner]? I can have insight on your behaviors. We can do a thorough debrief about why did you do this or why did you do that?” Jbeily added. “And the key, I think, is going to be, regardless of the specific platform, how do we build that element of trust, and how do we get folks comfortable to be able to use it in a combat scenario if we have to.” (Source: UAS VISION)
27 Aug 25. Heven and NextTech Solutions Team to Deliver Advanced UAS Solutions to US Government Market. Heven, has announced a strategic collaboration agreement with NextTech Solutions (NTS), a systems integrator and federal technology provider based in the United States. Under the agreement, Heven will serve as the primary unmanned aerial systems (UAS) partner for NTS in Group II and Group III drone platforms, supporting a broad range of defense, public safety and infrastructure missions. The two companies will work collaboratively to pursue emerging unmanned systems opportunities across local, state, and federal government agencies, offering integrated and scalable UAS solutions tailored to mission-specific requirements.
“This partnership marks a significant step in our U.S. expansion strategy,” said Bentzion Levinson, CEO of Heven. “Together with NTS, we will accelerate the delivery of next-generation aerial systems that enhance situational awareness, reduce risk, and enable faster, smarter decision-making across critical sectors.”
As part of the collaboration, the companies will seek to integrate NTS technologies such as the award-winning Edge Activation Platform MANTLE and the Integrated Dispatch Console (IDC) kit into Heven’s drone systems, enabling real-time coordination and seamless command-and-control for U.S. government end users. The partnership will also leverage NTS’s portfolio of multi-bn dollar contract vehicles such as NASA SEWP and SEAPORT NxG, to streamline procurement and enhance accessibility of advanced UAS platforms across government buyers.
“This is more than a partnership, it’s a force multiplier,” said Joseph Paull, CEO of NTS. “By combining our integration expertise and contract reach with Heven’s cutting-edge UAS technology, we’re positioning ourselves to meet the increasing demands of government agencies for reliable, interoperable aerial systems.”
The agreement supports Heven’s growing U.S. presence and underscores its commitment to deepening public-private collaborations in support of national security and emergency response missions. (Source: UAS VISION)
22 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that US Army to launch ‘Amazon-like’ marketplace for drone procurement. The U.S. Army is preparing to launch an online marketplace this fall that will allow units to directly purchase drones through a centralized platform designed to function like an e-commerce site. Army officials said the “Amazon-like” storefront will let commanders and procurement officers compare vetted drone options by price and performance, bypassing the Pentagon’s lengthy acquisition process. The initiative is being led by the Program Executive Office for Aviation as part of a broader effort to accelerate how unmanned systems are evaluated and fielded. ,The move comes amid mounting pressure on the Department of Defense to modernize procurement processes that critics say delay the delivery of urgently needed technologies. By streamlining access to already tested solutions, the Army aims to make drone acquisition faster and more flexible, while also creating a competitive environment for industry to meet requirements at varying cost levels. The concept mirrors Ukraine’s Brave1 Market, launched earlier this year, which allows frontline units to acquire drones, software, electronic warfare tools and other technologies directly from developers. Ukrainian officials have credited the model with speeding battlefield innovation and improving the relevance of equipment delivered to the front. The Army has not disclosed how many systems will be listed when the platform goes live but said it will focus on trusted vendors and proven technologies. The interface is expected to display performance data, cost comparisons and procurement timelines in a single view. Officials say the marketplace reflects a broader shift in U.S. defense procurement toward greater agility in areas such as unmanned systems, where technological advances are outpacing traditional acquisition timelines. https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-army-to-launch-amazon-like-marketplace-for-drone-procurement/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
22 Aug 25. Gabler and FLANQ to co-develop submarine-launched USVs. The partnership aims to deliver sub-surface deployed USVs for ISR tasks and single-use tactical missions. Gabler, a supplier of submarine systems, has entered into a strategic partnership with FLANQ to co-develop uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) intended for submarine torpedo tubes launch. This partnership aims to provide sub-surface deployed USVs for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions and single-use tactical operations. These USVs are aimed at being compatible with standard submarine torpedo tubes, allowing for stealthy deployment without the need for diver intervention. The two companies will develop and manufacture both single-use and reusable models of USVs, and engage with suppliers and industrial partners across Europe. Single-use variants are intended for missions such as precision strikes, while reusable models will facilitate prolonged ISR tasks with retrieval possibilities through either the host platforms or surface resources.
FLANQ chief commercial officer and co-founder Daniel Esser said: “The development of these platforms comes at a pivotal time for European and allied naval forces. Our rapidly produced USVs with their Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) payloads from sovereign partners –paired with Gabler’s know-how in submarine engineering and operations – will help deliver persistent ISR and tactical reach at scale, speed and value.” As part of the agreement, Gabler will take charge of system integration, commercialisation, and delivery to navies across the world, while FLANQ will manage design, manufacturing, and payload integration. This joint venture aims to address the growing demand among European and NATO naval forces for autonomous systems that can operate effectively in challenging maritime scenarios. According to Gabler, submarines will be able to deploy low-cost USVs across various missions without sacrificing stealth capabilities.
Gabler business development manager Lennart Glas said: “Today’s announcement on the opening day of DALO 25 – the largest defence industry exhibition in Scandinavia – reflects our shared commitment to strengthening European and allied undersea defence capabilities at pace and cost.
“By combining FLANQ’s strengths in autonomy, sensor payloads, and rapid manufacturing with Gabler’s six decades of expertise in high-reliability submarine systems, we are fully focussed on delivering mission-specific USVs ready for in theatre testing and evaluation at the earliest opportunity.”
Earlier in August 2025, FLANQ entered a memorandum of understanding with the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) to deliver autonomous maritime capabilities. (Source: naval-technology.com)
25 Aug 25. Performance Drone WorksFactory in Alabama. 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 $81m 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’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 ms 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.” (Source: UAS VISION/Performance Drone Works)
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EOS
Electro Optic Systems (EOS) is an Australian technology company with a global presence, delivering advanced solutions across defence and space. With operations in Australia, the United States, Europe, Singapore, the Middle East and New Zealand, EOS has been designing and manufacturing precision technologies for more than four decades.
In defence, EOS is a leader in remote weapon systems, with more than 2,500 delivered and proven in operational service with allied forces. The company designs, develops and manufactures highly accurate counter-drone solutions for force and asset protection. These include both kinetic and high energy laser options that defeat drone threats effectively and at a comparatively low cost per shot. In August 2025, EOS secured the world’s first export contract for a 100 kW-class high energy laser weapon, with delivery scheduled between 2025 and 2028.
In the space domain, EOS is internationally recognised for its expertise in space domain awareness and space control. Its ground-based optical systems track and characterise satellites and debris to support both defence and commercial operations worldwide. Through its New Zealand subsidiary, EOS also designs and manufactures precision optics for space and astronomy applications.
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