Red Cat Introduces FANG™ — A Low-Cost, NDAA-Compliant Line of FPV Drones for Defense and Security Operations

Rhea-AI Summary

Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) launched the FANG™ line of NDAA-compliant First Person View (FPV) drones on October 8, 2025, led by the 7-inch retrievable FANG F7. Initially developed via a U.S. military lab program, FANG targets defense, public safety, and government buyers with American-made, DIU Blue UAS Framework-listed critical components and a full system pending cleared-list inclusion. The F7 emphasizes a carbon-fiber 7-inch frame, retrievability for reuse, low cost for training and tactical use, and planned integration with Red Cat’s Arachnid ecosystem and ATAK command-and-control.

Positive

• NDAA-compliant FPV line with U.S.-sourced critical components
• Retrievable design reduces total cost of ownership
• 7-inch carbon fiber F7 optimized for durability and stability
• Positioned for defense/public-safety procurement and direct fulfillment
• Planned ecosystem integration with Arachnid systems and ATAK

Negative

• Full FANG system is still pending inclusion on Blue UAS cleared list

Insights

Defense product strategist

Red Cat launched an NDAA-compliant, retrievable FPV drone line (FANG), widening its addressable government market and lowering training costs.

The FANG™ F7 is presented as a 7-inch, carbon-fiber, retrievable FPV system built to meet federal procurement rules and to replace China-sourced parts with U.S.-made components. The announcement states the system is in the company’s Arachnid Family of Systems, lists DIU Blue UAS Framework certification for critical components, and says full system inclusion on the Blue UAS cleared list is pending. The company highlights availability to defense, public safety, and government agencies operating under NDAA restrictions and plans integration with its Arachnid ecosystem and ATAK.

Dependencies and risks center on the pending Blue UAS cleared-list inclusion and actual procurement orders; those items determine real market access for government buyers. Watch for confirmation of the full-system Blue UAS clearance, order flow through authorized procurement channels, and demonstrations at the Premier Drone Competition and the AUSA Annual Meeting in 2025-10-08. Near-term signals (weeks to months) will be Blue UAS listing and early contract notices; medium-term signals (quarters) will be purchase orders and integration with Arachnid/ATAK.

The first system in the FANG line is the FANG™ F7, a 7-inch retrievable FPV drone optimized for training and tactical use, now available for purchase by defense and security operators

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced the launch of its FANG™ line of NDAA-compliant First Person View (FPV) drones, starting with the 7-inch FANG™ F7. Initially developed through a U.S. military lab program, FANG has progressed from concept to field-ready, providing secure, retrievable FPV systems that meet federal procurement requirements.

The FANG line, part of Red Cat’s Arachnid Family of Systems, provides operators with secure, American-made FPV drones that combine performance with significant savings. The FANG™ F7 features a 7-inch carbon fiber frame engineered for durability and stability, paired with a retrievable design that makes it reusable and cost-efficient. This balance of rugged construction and affordability ensures the drone is equally effective as a training tool and as a mission-ready asset.

The FANG line was created to strengthen domestic drone production by reshoring manufacturing and replacing components traditionally sourced from China. Built to meet federal purchasing requirements, FANG offers NDAA-compliant solutions for defense, public safety, and other government agencies. All critical components are independently certified and listed on the DIU Blue UAS Framework, with the full system pending inclusion on the Blue UAS cleared list.

"With FANG, we set out to deliver something the market hasn’t seen before," said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. "Working with key partners, we now have an NDAA-compliant FPV drone that’s both high-performing and low-cost. By focusing on retrievability, American manufacturing, and real-world mission needs, we’re giving defense and security teams a smarter, scalable option optimized for both budget and effectiveness."

Setting a New Standard for FPV Drones

• Unmatched Affordability: The FANG line is designed as the lowest-cost family of NDAA-compliant FPV drones on the market, addressing demand for attritable systems for training and practice.
• Retrievable & Reusable: Unlike one-time-use loitering systems, FANG drones are recoverable, reducing total cost of ownership.
• Training Advantage: Enables operators to build proficiency and mission readiness through repeated, cost-efficient practice.
• Precision Effects: Dual-use design supports ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) and precision effects missions, broadening tactical flexibility.
• Ecosystem Integration: Future models in the FANG line will integrate with Red Cat’s Arachnid ecosystem and UAS Tool (ATAK) command-and-control environment.
• NDAA-Compliant Components: FANG drones incorporate UMAC-manufactured motors and other key parts, ensuring trusted, U.S.-sourced components.

Availability

The FANG F7 is now available for purchase by defense, public safety, and government agencies operating under NDAA restrictions. Red Cat will fulfill orders directly and through authorized procurement channels. Technical specifications and ordering details are available at https://redcat.red/fang.

Event Debut

FANG was announced today at the Premier Drone Competition in Cumberland County, North Carolina, hosted by the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC). The FANG™ F7 makes its public debut at the event and will also be showcased at the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.
Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat develops American-made hardware and software that support military, government, and public safety operations across air, land, and sea. Its Family of Systems, led by Black Widow™, delivers unmatched tactical capabilities in small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). Expanding into the maritime domain through Blue Ops, Inc., Red Cat is also innovating in uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), delivering integrated platforms designed to enhance safety and multi-domain mission effectiveness. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will" "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our intended use of proceeds from the offering, annual revenue guidance, future manufacturing capacities and future market demand. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Form 10-KT filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Media Contact:
Peter Moran
Indicate Media
peter@indicatemedia.com
(347) 880-2895

Investor Contact:
Investors@redcat.red

FAQ

What is the Red Cat FANG F7 and who can buy it (RCAT)?

The FANG F7 is a 7-inch retrievable, NDAA-compliant FPV drone available to defense, public safety, and government agencies operating under NDAA restrictions.

Is the Red Cat FANG line NDAA-compliant (RCAT)?

Yes; FANG uses U.S.-sourced critical components and lists them on the DIU Blue UAS Framework, with the full system pending cleared-list inclusion.

How does the FANG F7 reduce costs for military training (RCAT)?

The F7 is retrievable and reusable, designed to lower total cost of ownership compared with one-time-use systems, enabling repeated training flights.

Where did Red Cat debut the FANG F7 and when (RCAT)?

FANG debuted October 8, 2025, at the Premier Drone Competition in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and will also be shown at AUSA in Washington, D.C.

Will FANG integrate with Red Cat’s Arachnid ecosystem (RCAT)?

Yes; future FANG models are planned to integrate with Red Cat’s Arachnid Family of Systems and ATAK command-and-control.

How can agencies order the FANG F7 (RCAT)?

Agencies can purchase FANG F7 directly from Red Cat or through authorized procurement channels; technical and ordering details are available on the company's product site.