VirTra to Demonstrate Next-Generation Drone Defense Marksmanship Training for Corrections at American Correctional Association Winter Conference
Rhea-AI Summary
VirTra (Nasdaq: VTSI) will demonstrate its next-generation Drone Defense Training System for corrections professionals at the American Correctional Association Winter Conference, Feb 5-8, 2026, in Long Beach, CA.
The demo shows simulation-based marksmanship scenarios for detecting, tracking and responding to unauthorized drones, citing 479 drone-related incidents at U.S. federal prisons in 2024 versus 23 in 2018.
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Market Reaction
Following this news, VTSI has gained 4.13%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +7.4% during the session. Our momentum scanner has triggered 4 alerts so far, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. The stock is currently trading at $4.79. This price movement has added approximately $2M to the company's valuation.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus (15 min delayed). Upgrade to Silver for real-time data.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
VTSI was down 1.71% while peers were mixed: AWRE (-1.11%), RDZN (-1.64%) weaker, MFI (+8.69%) and HKIT (+3.68%) stronger, ZENV roughly flat (+0.2%). Moves do not show a unified sector direction.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 13 | Trade show exhibition | Positive | +2.7% | Planned demonstrations of multiple simulators at 2026 SHOT Show. |
| Dec 11 | Customer award program | Positive | +0.4% | Taskforce Santa finalist receiving V-100 simulator and services. |
| Nov 10 | Earnings results | Negative | +0.6% | Q3 2025 revenue decline, margin compression, and quarterly net loss. |
| Nov 04 | Advisory board change | Positive | -5.5% | Appointment of experienced financial and operational leader to board. |
| Oct 27 | Earnings call notice | Neutral | -3.5% | Scheduling Q3 2025 conference call and providing access details. |
Recent product/conference and customer engagement news often saw modest positive reactions, while management changes and mixed earnings produced more volatile, sometimes contrary moves.
Over the last few months, VirTra has highlighted trade show exposure, customer outreach, financial results, and governance changes. In October–November 2025, the company scheduled and then reported Q3 2025 results, showing softer sales and a quarterly loss. Around the same time, directors and executives received or bought stock, and a new advisory board member was appointed. In January 2026, VirTra promoted its presence at the 2026 SHOT Show. Today’s ACA drone-defense training demo fits the pattern of showcasing simulation capabilities to law enforcement and corrections markets.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights VirTra’s expansion of simulation-based marksmanship training into drone defense for corrections, timed to the ACA Winter Conference on February 5–8, 2026. The focus on countering contraband and perimeter breaches reflects a rise to 479 drone incidents in 2024 from 23 in 2018. In recent months, VirTra has emphasized trade shows, customer outreach, and its simulator portfolio, so this fits a broader strategy of targeting law enforcement and corrections training needs.
Key Terms
situational awareness technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
CHANDLER, Ariz., Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VirTra, Inc. (Nasdaq: VTSI) (“VirTra” or the “Company”), a global provider of judgmental use-of-force and firearms training simulators, today announced it will demonstrate its next-generation Drone Defense Training System for corrections professionals at the American Correctional Association (ACA) Winter Conference, taking place February 5-8, 2026, at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA.
The event brings together correctional leaders, administrators, and training professionals from across the United States and around the world to explore emerging challenges, best practices, and new technologies shaping the future of corrections.
VirTra’s demonstration will focus on how simulation-based marksmanship training can help agencies prepare officers to detect, track, and respond to unauthorized drones attempting to breach facility perimeters or deliver contraband into secure environments.
“Correctional facilities are facing an evolving security landscape as the use of commercial drones continues to grow, introducing new risks related to contraband delivery and unauthorized surveillance that challenge traditional perimeter defenses,” said VirTra CEO John Givens. “Simulation-based marksmanship training allows officers to prepare for aerial threats safely and efficiently without relying on live-fire training.”
Unauthorized drones are increasingly used to attempt to deliver drugs, weapons, cellphones and other contraband over prison walls and into secure yards, creating new vulnerabilities for correctional institutions. The ability of drones to bypass fences and walls while operating with limited visual or auditory warning poses an increased risk from traditional perimeter breaches.
According to testimony from the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI officials to the Senate Judiciary Committee, there were 479 drone-related incidents at U.S. federal prisons in 2024, up from 23 incidents in 2018, showing the rapid growth of drone-based security threats facing correctional facilities.
VirTra’s next-generation drone defense scenarios are designed to simulate realistic drone flight paths, variable distances, low-light and nighttime operations, and environmental conditions officers may encounter around secure facility perimeters, enabling practical and repeatable training, enabling officers to practice visual identification of drone threats, target tracking and situational awareness, and precision marksmanship.
Drone defense training within VirTra’s simulation environment helps agencies reduce costs, risks, and logistical complexity associated with live-fire training by limiting ammunition consumption, decreasing dependence on physical ranges, and minimizing safety hazards inherent in live-fire training. By shifting training into a controlled simulator setting, agencies can train more frequently and consistently while adhering to budgetary realities and operational constraints, thereby strengthening readiness for emerging threats without increasing strain on personnel or resources.
About VirTra
VirTra (Nasdaq: VTSI) is a global provider of judgmental use-of-force and firearms training simulators for law enforcement, military, educational, and commercial markets. Since 1993, VirTra has been dedicated to saving lives by providing highly effective, realistic training designed to prepare officers for the most difficult real-world situations.
Investor Relations Contact:
Alec Wilson and Greg Bradbury
Gateway Group, Inc.
VTSI@gateway-grp.com
949-574-3860
FAQ
What will VirTra (VTSI) demonstrate at the ACA Winter Conference on Feb 5-8, 2026?
How does VirTra's (VTSI) simulator help corrections officers prepare for drone threats?
What evidence does VirTra (VTSI) cite to show the rise in drone incidents at prisons?
Will VirTra's (VTSI) drone defense scenarios simulate night and environmental conditions?
Where and when can corrections professionals see VirTra's (VTSI) drone defense demo at the conference?
