Draganfly Inc【DPRO】株式ニュース

Global Race for Counter-Drone Dominance Ignites Multi-Billion-Dollar Defense Market

Integrated C-UAS platforms are rapidly becoming essential infrastructure for modern military operations and national security

NEW YORK, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Market News Updates News Commentary - Integrated counter-unmanned aircraft systems, or C-UAS platforms, are quickly becoming a major priority in modern defense operations as military forces work to stay ahead of rapidly evolving drone threats. What started as a niche defense capability has now become a critical part of battlefield protection. Governments around the world are pouring money into integrated systems that combine radar, RF detection, AI-driven analytics, electro-optical sensors, jamming tools, and hard-kill interception technologies into one coordinated platform. The goal is simple: detect hostile drones early, track them accurately, and eliminate the threat before it can cause damage. With drone swarms and low-cost UAV attacks showing up more frequently in real-world conflicts, demand for advanced counter-drone technology has accelerated at a massive pace presenting opportunity for active companies in the Drone/UAV industries that may include Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), Ondas Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS).

The growth outlook for the C-UAS market continues to strengthen as defense budgets shift toward autonomous warfare, layered security, and faster-response battlefield systems. Industry forecasts now estimate the global counter-unmanned aircraft systems market could grow from roughly $6.6 billion in 2025 to more than $20 billion by 2030, reflecting one of the fastest expansion rates anywhere in defense technology. At the same time, the broader integrated air and missile defense sector is expected to surpass $68 billion by the end of the decade as countries invest in connected defense networks capable of responding to aerial threats in real time. North America remains the dominant market today, but Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific are all ramping up procurement efforts as geopolitical tensions and national security concerns continue rising.

Defense contractors and emerging military tech companies are now racing to build smarter, faster, and more flexible counter-drone systems that can operate across land, sea, air, and mobile combat environments. The industry is moving toward AI-enabled platforms that can automatically identify threats, coordinate sensor data, and launch electronic warfare countermeasures within seconds with minimal human involvement. Future growth is expected to be driven by portable tactical systems, directed-energy weapons, autonomous interceptor drones, and advanced command-and-control platforms designed to stop large-scale drone swarm attacks. As warfare becomes increasingly autonomous, integrated C-UAS technology is shaping up to be one of the most important pillars of next-generation global defense strategy.

Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) and F4 Defense International (F4DI) Selected by the Department of War for Development of Integrated, Multi-Layered, Modular, and Rapid-Deployable Counter-UAS (C-UAS) System - Next-generation C-UAS platform combines tethered aerial intelligence, advanced targeting, and multi-layered coordinated ground and air drone defeat capabilities to address one of modern warfare’s fastest-growing threats - Draganfly Inc. (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, today announced that, together with F4 Defense International (F4DI), has been selected by DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory for an initial development contract focused on the creation of a modular, multi-layered, integrated counter-unmanned aircraft system (“C-UAS”) platform designed to detect, identify, track, target, and defeat hostile drones in contested operational environments.

The program centers on the development of an ultra-mobile, rapidly deployable counter-drone solution integrating Draganfly’s advanced tethered aerial platform technology with identification, targeting, and defeat system architectures. The solution is designed to provide persistent aerial overwatch, enhanced situational awareness, and coordinated airborne and ground-based drone mitigation capabilities.

The platform is expected to combine:

Persistent tethered airborne surveillance and targeting;
AI-enabled drone identification and tracking;
Real-time battlefield and base defense situational awareness;
Integrated electronic and kinetic defeat coordination capabilities;
Rapid deployment architecture for expeditionary and fixed-site operations.
The initiative reflects the rapidly accelerating global focus on counter-drone warfare capabilities as low-cost unmanned aerial threats continue to reshape modern conflicts and critical infrastructure security requirements worldwide.

“The modern battlefield has fundamentally changed,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “Low-cost drones have become one of the most disruptive asymmetric threats facing military forces, governments, and critical infrastructure operators globally. This program represents another important step in Draganfly’s continued expansion into advanced defense and force-protection technologies.”

Recent strategic initiatives from the Department of War, including expanded C-UAS procurement efforts, have underscored the urgent operational need for cost-effective, rapidly deployable, layered counter-drone systems capable of protecting military installations, forward operating positions, and critical national infrastructure.

According to industry research, the global Counter-UAS market is projected to grow to more than US$20 billion by 2030, representing one of the fastest-growing segments in the global defense sector.

“This collaboration is focused on delivering an operationally relevant and scalable solution designed around the realities of modern drone warfare,” said Dave Fairfax, COO, F4DI. “By combining persistent aerial sensing, intelligent targeting, and coordinated defeat capabilities, we believe this platform can address a critical and rapidly evolving defense requirement.”

The initial contract phase is expected to focus on systems integration, operational capability development, and field evaluation activities.

Draganfly continues to expand its presence within the defense and security sector through the development of autonomous systems, AI-enabled platforms, tactical ISR technologies, and mission-critical drone solutions supporting allied military and public safety organizations globally. Continued… Read this full release and additional news for DPRO by visiting: https://draganfly.com/news/

Recent breakthroughs across the drone and UAS industry continue driving major growth opportunities in defense, autonomous operations, surveillance, and next-generation battlefield technologies that include:

Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American:UMAC), a leading manufacturer of NDAA-compliant drone components, recently announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire DroneNX LLC, which operates as Upgrade Energy, a manufacturer of battery and power systems solutions for unmanned aerial systems. The transaction is valued at approximately $52 million and is expected to consist of a combination of cash and stock consideration, including a performance-based earnout.

The acquisition adds battery expertise to Unusual Machines' domestic manufacturing and engineering operations, broadens the Company's capabilities by adding new drone components, and strengthens its domestic manufacturing capabilities. Upgrade Energy currently operates out of an 18,500-square-foot facility in Torrance, CA and employs approximately 30 engineering and production personnel. Unusual Machines plans to expand battery pack operations by adding a second production facility in Orlando, FL in the coming months.

Ondas Inc. (Nasdaq: ONDS), a leading provider of advanced autonomous systems and next-generation defense and security technologies, recently announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Omnisys Ltd., an Israeli developer of AI-powered Battle Resource Optimization (BRO) software for multi-domain defense planning and real-time decision-making. The acquisition marks a major strategic milestone in Ondas’ evolution into a software-defined defense technology company. Omnisys’ BRO platform is expected to serve as a core orchestration layer across Ondas’ growing autonomous systems portfolio, enabling mission planning, operational coordination, and real-time battlefield resource optimization across sensors, autonomous systems, and defense assets operating within complex mission environments.

Modern warfare is increasingly defined by high-volume, multi-domain threats occurring at machine speed across air, ground, electronic warfare, and cyber environments. Human operators alone can no longer effectively coordinate the growing number of sensors, effectors, and autonomous systems operating simultaneously across contested battlespaces. For more than 25 years, Omnisys’ BRO platform has addressed this challenge within some of the world’s most advanced operational defense architectures, continuously optimizing battlefield resources and supporting real-time decision-making across layered, multi-mission operational environments. BRO enables dynamic resource allocation, mission prioritization, and coordinated system responses designed to maximize operational effectiveness, asset utilization, and mission success under high-intensity combat conditions.

Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, recently announced that Kymeta, a world-leading flat-panel satellite terminal manufacturer, has joined the Red Cat Futures Initiative, the company’s industry-wide consortium accelerating advanced autonomous systems for modern warfare.

Red Cat’s maritime division Blue Ops will integrate Kymeta’s communications technology into its Variant 7 uncrewed surface vessel (USV). The integration supports communications on the move for autonomous maritime operations, enabling systems to maintain connectivity while operating at distance and across dynamic environments.

This partnership highlights Kymeta’s ability to deliver truly resilient, multi-orbit connectivity by seamlessly integrating GEO, LEO and MEO satellite networks to ensure uninterrupted communications in the most demanding environments. With low power consumption, GNSS-denied persistence, and proven performance in highly contested operations, Kymeta provides a differentiated solution that enables mission-critical operations where traditional systems fall short.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in defense, national security, and global markets, announced recently that it has selected Odon, Indiana, as the future home of its new mid-tier coupled arc jet and laser facility. The site selection represents a major milestone for Project Helios following the company’s prior announcement of award to design and build the new test capability.

After an extensive, multi-state review, Kratos determined that Odon, Indiana, best meets the technical and operational requirements for the Project. Kratos expresses its enthusiasm for joining the local community and contributing to the region’s growing role in the nation’s defense industrial base.

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$DPRO News: DRAGANFLY TO ACQUIRE SKIP DYNAMIX FIXED WING ULTRA-LOW COST, MASS PRODUCIBLE TECHNOLOGY, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Integrates Ultra-Low Cost, Mass-Producible Long-Range Surveillance and One Way Systems into the Draganfly Platform of Drones

Tampa, FL., May 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with Skip Dynamix, Corporation (“Skip Dynamix”), a developer of ultra-low-cost, mass-producible fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems designed for long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (“ISR”), electronic warfare support, logistics, and one-way missions. pursuant to which Draganfly has agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets of Skip Dynamix’s drone technology business (the “Transaction”).

The Transaction deepens Draganfly’s defense platform portfolio and further strategically positions the Company within one of the fastest-growing segments of the global defense technology market: low-cost autonomous aerial systems capable of scalable deployment in contested environments.

The Transaction will combine Draganfly’s proven manufacturing, autonomy, AI, command-and-control, and military systems integration capabilities with Skip Dynamix’s innovative fixed-wing platform architecture optimized for affordability, rapid production, modular payload integration, and long-range operational deployment.

“Modern conflicts have fundamentally reshaped military procurement priorities,” said Cameron Chell, Chief Executive Officer of Draganfly. “The battlefield lessons emerging from Ukraine, the Middle East, and evolving Indo-Pacific security planning are clear: survivable mass, low-cost autonomy, long-range ISR, and systems are becoming core operational requirements for allied defense forces.”

“Skip Dynamix gives Draganfly a highly scalable platform capable of addressing this rapidly expanding global demand while complementing our existing ISR, logistics and tactical drone, defense technologies.”

Positioned for the New Era of Attributable Autonomous Systems

The Transaction coincides with accelerating global defense investment into low-cost autonomous aerial systems designed for persistent ISR, swarm deployment, electronic warfare resilience, and one-way operations. The Department of War has publicly identified low-cost autonomous systems as a strategic priority aimed at rapidly fielding large numbers of expendable autonomous systems for Indo-Pacific and other contested operational theaters.

The Pentagon’s initiatives specifically seek to deploy “thousands” of low-cost autonomous systems to the Indo-Pacific region to counter near-peer threats through distributed and scalable autonomous capabilities.

The Asia-Pacific ISR aircraft and drone market alone is projected to grow to more than US$20.5 billion by 2035 according to industry reports, driven by rising geopolitical tensions, maritime security requirements, and defense modernization programs across the region. At the same time, defense agencies globally are increasingly prioritizing systems that can be manufactured securely, rapidly and deployed at scale at materially lower cost than traditional cruise missiles or large unmanned platforms.

Scalable, Modular, and Mission Adaptable

Skip Dynamix’s systems architecture integrated into the Draganfly platform of drones is designed around rapid manufacturability, operational flexibility, and modular mission payloads, supporting applications including:

Long-range ISR
Maritime surveillance
Border security
Communications relay
Electronic warfare support
Autonomous logistics delivery
Force protection
One-way missions
Swarm and distributed operations
The systems are designed to integrate with commercially scalable manufacturing approaches and open architecture payload systems, enabling rapid adaptation for evolving mission requirements and allied defense procurement programs.

Draganfly expects the Transaction to enhance its ability to support defense customers seeking affordable autonomous systems deployable at scale across contested operational environments.

Expanding Defense and Allied Opportunities

In addition to strengthening Draganfly’s positioning with Department of War programs, the Transaction also strengthens NATO-aligned modernization initiatives, allied defense procurement agencies, and Indo-Pacific security programs increasingly focused on autonomous and asymmetric defense technologies. Draganfly intends to integrate Skip Dynamix’s technologies into its broader defense ecosystem, including AI-enabled autonomy, sensor integration, tactical ISR operations, and next-generation autonomous mission systems.

“The acquisition of Skip Dynamix is an important strategic step for Draganfly as we continue to expand our platform capabilities for defense, government, public safety, and international customers,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “The Orca fixed-wing platform adds long-range, hand-launchable endurance to our portfolio and addresses a clear capability gap in the market. By bringing Skip Dynamix’s technology and team into Draganfly, we believe we can accelerate commercialization, expand customer opportunities, and strengthen our position as a trusted North American drone solutions provider.”

Transaction Highlights

Addresses Critical Multi Mission Opportunity Within One Platform. The Transaction of the Orca fixed-wing platform complements Draganfly’s established multi-rotor portfolio, including the Flex FPV, Apex, Commander 3XL, and Heavy Lift systems, by adding a long-range, hand-launchable fixed-wing capability that addresses a critical integrated multi-mission opportunity not being served in the existing market.
Expanded Market Reach. The Transaction is expected to widen Draganfly’s presence in the defense, national security, government, and international markets, providing access to Skip Dynamix’s existing pipeline of opportunities for the Orca platform.
Revenue Synergies. Management believes the business combination offers significant revenue synergies, allowing for incremental revenue growth for Draganfly in excess of Skip Dynamix’s standalone forecasts and valuation.
Retention of Key Talent. Skip Dynamix’s founders, Jonathan Baron and Andrew Chapman, will continue with the combined business under employment agreements, bringing specialized expertise in fixed-wing sUAS technology.
Key Strategic Goals for 2026. The key strategic goals for the Skip Dynamix acquisition in 2026 will be: (i) to fully exploit the existing pipeline of opportunities; (ii) to advance autonomy-assisted flight operations; and (iii) to establish Draganfly as the leading multi-platform (Fixed-wing and multi-rotor) integrated operations drone platform.
Material Terms of the Agreement

The aggregate purchase price for the Transaction is up to US$7,525,000 (the “Purchase Price”):

A cash payment of US$2,525,000 (the “Closing Amount”), subject to customary working capital adjustments, will be paid to Skip Dynamix at closing.
US$2,500,000 satisfiable in common shares of Draganfly (“Draganfly Shares”) pursuant to a special warrant issued at closing (the “Payment Shares”). The Payment Shares will be issued subject to the satisfaction of the Payment Vesting Condition, which requires each founder to be actively engaged by Draganfly until at least the first anniversary of closing.
up to US$2,500,000 (the “Earn-Out Amount”), payable in a combination of cash and Draganfly Shares as determined by Draganfly, subject to: (i) the business achieving certain milestones.
Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of closing conditions customary for a transaction of this nature, including required regulatory and exchange approvals and the satisfaction of other customary conditions precedent, and is expected to close in early June 2026.

Additional transaction details will be disclosed in the Company’s applicable regulatory filings.

About Skip Dynamix

Skip Dynamix is a Delaware-based drone technology company engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing, sale and distribution of long-range, hyper-customizable, multi-purpose, hand-launchable, fixed-wing sUAS, including the Orca platform. Skip Dynamix serves customers across defense, national security, government and international markets.

About Draganfly

Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8) is a leader in cutting-edge drone solutions and software that are transforming industries and serving stakeholders globally. Recognized for innovation and excellence for over 25 years, Draganfly is an award-winning Original Equipment Manufacturer and technology integrator to the public safety, civil, military, agriculture, industrial inspection, security, mapping, and surveying markets. The Company is driven by passion, ingenuity, and a mission to provide efficient solutions and first-class services to customers worldwide, saving time, money, and lives.

For more information, visit http://www.draganfly.com.

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Media Contact
Erika Racicot
Email: media@draganfly.com

Company Contact
Cameron Chell
Chief Executive Officer
(306) 955-9907
info@draganfly.com

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to Draganfly’s integration plans with respect to the Skip Dynamix’s products, the size of the drone market, the ability of the Company to complete sales of its products to defense organizations, all statements under the heading “Transaction Highlights”, the expected closing of the Transaction and the expected closing date of the Transaction, Transaction benefits, expected additional revenues, expected growth, revenue synergies, strategic goals, results of operations, performance, industry trends and growth opportunities. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the risk that the Transaction may not be completed as expected or at all; the expected benefits of the Transaction and additional revenues may not materialize; the inherent risks involved in the general securities markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; liability; competition; loss of key employees; and other related risks and uncertainties. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially, please refer to the public filings of Draganfly which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

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Source: Draganfly Inc