Draganfly 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
Rhea-AI Summary
Draganfly (NASDAQ:DPRO) and F4 Defense International were selected by DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory for an initial development contract to build a modular, multi-layered counter‑UAS system. The platform will integrate tethered aerial surveillance, AI‑enabled drone identification, targeting, and coordinated electronic/kinetic defeat for rapid, mobile deployment.
Positive
- Selected by DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory for initial C-UAS development contract
- Platform targets fast-growing global Counter-UAS market projected above US$20 billion by 2030
- Leverages Draganfly tethered aerial platform with AI-enabled identification and tracking
- Supports Draganfly expansion in defense, security, and force-protection technologies
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – DPRO
In the May 20 session, DPRO gained 3.98%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +13.7% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 37 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. Trading volume was above average at 1.9x the daily average, suggesting increased trading activity.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19 | Payload line launch | Positive | +0.0% | Launch of Draganfly Blitz optical payload platform for defense and ISR markets. |
| May 18 | Defense acquisition deal | Positive | -1.3% | Agreement to acquire Skip Dynamix fixed‑wing drone technology assets up to US$7.525M. |
| May 11 | Record Q1 results | Positive | -2.7% | Record Q1 2026 revenue growth and higher cash alongside a larger comprehensive loss. |
| May 8 | Shareholder call notice | Neutral | +1.1% | Announcement of shareholder update call to discuss Q1 2026 and strategy. |
| May 8 | Additional defense orders | Positive | +5.0% | Two more U.S. Department of War units selecting Flex FPV drone systems. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent positive operational and financial updates have often seen muted or negative next-day reactions, with 3 of the last 5 news events showing price moves diverging from generally positive narratives.
Over the last few weeks, DPRO has emphasized expansion in defense and advanced payloads, including record Q1 2026 results on May 11, new Flex FPV defense wins on May 8, and the Draganfly Blitz™ gimbal line launch on May 19. An acquisition agreement for Skip Dynamix fixed-wing technology on May 18 supports a broader ISR and one-way mission portfolio. Today’s C-UAS development contract continues this defense-focused trajectory and builds on that growing pipeline.
Key Terms
c-uas technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
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.
Tampa, Florida, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning, industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, 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
“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.
About F4DI
F4DI is an SBA HUBZone certified small business specializing in research, design, and development of advanced technology solutions for the Department of War; combining innovative engineering with mission-driven expertise to deliver capabilities that address critical operational needs and emerging challenges. As a trusted systems integrator, F4DI specializes in transitioning cutting-edge technologies from concept to program of record, ensuring seamless integration and rapid delivery of mission-ready solutions for the warfighter.
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 delivers award-winning technology 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 www.draganfly.com.
For investor details, visit:
NASDAQ (DPRO)
CSE (DPRO)
FSE (3U8A)
Media Contact
Draganfly
Erika Racicot
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 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 include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to statements that there is an urgent operational need for cost-effective, rapidly deployable, layered counter-drone systems capable of protecting military installations, forward operating positions, and critical national infrastructure and that the global Counter-UAS market is projected to grow to more than US
