drone wars heating up
I’ve been a strong supporter for the use of drones in emergency management systems and across the board for governments trying to provide best in class services. That all preceded the unprecedented use of drone warfare during the Ukraine war by both sides of the conflict.
The huge majority of commercial drones are manufactured in China and now the U.S. government and Department of Defense (since that is its legal name) are trying to catch-up and have a United States based manufacturing capability. What caught my eye is this announcement from one such company, DraganFly which has its news release below.
If you want learn more about the technological advances being made in drone usage, see this Disaster Zone Podcast: New Advances in Drone Technology This is from two years ago, but it illustrates what can be done with “in door” reconnaissance by drones. This has particular application in law enforcement situations.
Draganfly Enlisted by U.S. Army to Deliver Drones on Heels of Developing Drones for Border Security
Tampa, FL. October 2, 2025 – Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, today announced its selection by the U.S. Army to provide Flex FPV drone systems.
Under the initial order, Draganfly will deliver Flex FPV drones designed for high-performance operations as well as help establish on-site manufacturing of the Flex FPV (First Person View) within overseas U.S. Forces facilities to accelerate deployment and reduce supply-chain timelines.
The Company will also provide both flight and manufacturing training to enable Army personnel to sustain operations, and will manage logistics to ensure a secure, NDAA-compliant supply chain practice. This marks a significant milestone in evolving critical drone capabilities closer to the theater of operations, reducing logistical vulnerabilities and enhancing force readiness.
Recent exercises have underscored the importance of FPV technology for U.S. forces. During the Swift Response 2025 exercise in Lithuania, paratroopers operated and detonated in-house-built FPV drones against dismounted and vehicle-sized autonomous targets. The unit has also established its own drone lab for design, training, and rapid innovation. In August 2025, the U.S. Army executed the first-ever air-to-air kill with an armed FPV drone, advancing the evolution of drone warfare. Draganfly’s Embedded Manufacturing Program and the Flex FPV Drone systems are in direct support of this strategic shift to decentralized and agile innovation.
“We are honored to support the U.S. Army as it moves critical drone capabilities closer to front lines,” said Cameron Chell, President & CEO of Draganfly. “By combining advanced Flex FPV Drone systems, embedded manufacturing, training and secure logistics, we are helping reinforce operational agility and sustainment for forward deployed forces. This helps ensure personnel have the tools, training and capabilities required when and where they need them most.”
About Draganfly
Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8) is a pioneer in drone solutions and robotics. With over 25 years of innovation, Draganfly has been at the forefront of drone technology, providing solutions for public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying. The Company is committed to delivering efficient, reliable, and industry-leading technology that helps organizations save time, money, and lives. For more information, visit www.draganfly.com
On another note—since continue to be in the “silly season” of politics in the United States. There was this announcement Drone company's stock soars after it appoints Donald Trump Jr. to advisory board I suppose he has expertise in the technology that goes beyond his last name.
One last memory that dates by to my days in the U.S. Army—1976. The entire U.S. Army was to switch from wearing baseball type headgear to wearing berets. Special Forces and Rangers were mortified since they were the only ones previously authorized to wear berets. The Army did a procurement, and the winning contract was awarded. Then “oops” a Chinese company had won the contract! That was cancelled and another US based firm selected for the manufacturing of berets. Feels a bit like drones of today!
