Latest news with #Draganfly
Axios
4 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Cops, cartels and the new drone wars on the border
On the U.S. side of the southern border, local law enforcement officials have begun using AI-programmed drones to locate drug traffickers and migrants. On the Mexico side, drug cartels are using their own drones to stake out desert areas in the U.S. to smuggle their products. Why it matters: The U.S. government — whose own patrol drones help create what it calls a "virtual wall" — has long fueled the tech war along the border. But now even small local agencies are stepping into this arms race against cartels and illegal immigration. The big picture: The drone wars are unfolding even as migrant traffic has dropped to its lowest levels in decades. They're being driven in part by staffing shortages in police and sheriff's departments, as well as cuts in federal aid that have limited traditional patrols. Local agencies in Arizona, for example, have begun using drones to investigate a range of headaches: illegal dumping, methamphetamine labs operating off isolated, rural roads, and rescuing migrants or hikers in the scorching desert. The number of U.S. law enforcement agencies using drones has jumped 150% since 2018, according to a report released this year. Most use them as "first responders" to emergencies to assess scenes. Zoom in: The sheriff's office in Arizona's Cochise County — which shares 84 miles of its border with Mexico — recently announced it's launching a drone pilot program powered by Canadian drone-maker Draganfly, whose UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are used by groups in Ukraine to detect landmines. In the border city of Laredo, Texas, police said earlier this month they'll deploy BRINC Drones to help them respond to emergencies within seconds. Sunland Park, N.M., near El Paso, is already using drones to help its fire and police departments rescue stranded migrants and hikers on Mount Cristo Rey, and those struggling to cross the Rio Grande. The Texas National Guard and New Mexico State Police also are using drones. How they work: Unlike commercial consumer drones, the high-tech police drones can fly for hours, collect data using AI, recreate crash scenes in minutes and direct deputies and officers to scenes using GPS. Cochise County's AI-enhanced quadcopters, for example, have thermal imaging for search-and-rescue and nighttime operations, and to locate potential cartel traffic in the border county's 6,200 square miles. Laredo's drones will be able to follow car chases, find out if a domestic violence suspect is armed before police arrive and even drop off Narcan to help someone counter an opioid overdose. What they're saying: "Cochise County wanted surveillance tied to their AI system to understand what's happening in all those remote areas of the border," Draganfly CEO Cameron Chell told Axios. Chell said the county also wanted a drone that could provide close air support for their personnel, deliver equipment and help catch or locate suspects. "You can secure your border in a much more effective way than trying to rush a bunch of people around to spots where nobody's going to be anymore." The intrigue: Some drones can monitor anything from ground-penetrating radar to air quality and can measure a person's heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level from 500 meters away, Chell said. State of play: The local drone race comes as suspected cartels in Mexico are flying thousands of drones over U.S. territory, U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials say. Steven Willoughby, deputy director of DHS's counter-drone program, told a U.S. Senate committee last month that cartel drones made more than 27,000 flights within 500 meters of the southern border during the last six months of 2024. They're "flying between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., when the cover of darkness can obscure illicit activity," Willoughby testified. He said the drones can fly for more than 45 minutes, reach more than 100 mph and carry more than 100 pounds. Some drones operated by cartels have dropped explosives on rival factions in Mexico, Willoughby said, although no such actions have been reported on the U.S. side.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Draganfly Inc (DPRO) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue Growth Amidst ...
Release Date: August 11, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Draganfly Inc (NASDAQ:DPRO) reported a 37% quarter-over-quarter increase and a 22% year-over-year increase in revenue for Q2 2025. The company achieved a 100% success rate with its Commander 3 XL plus Drops payload system at the US Army Cemex 25 event. Draganfly Inc (NASDAQ:DPRO) closed a $13.75 million public offering, significantly bolstering its balance sheet. The company was selected for a US Southern Border drone pilot program, showcasing its advanced drone capabilities. Draganfly Inc (NASDAQ:DPRO) secured a strategic military order for its Commander 3XL UAV systems, indicating strong demand in the defense sector. Negative Points The company reported a comprehensive loss of $4.7 million for the quarter, compared to a loss of $7.1 million in the same quarter last year. Gross margin decreased to 24.4% from 34.4% year-over-year, indicating pressure on profitability. Higher office and miscellaneous costs, wage costs, and share-based payments contributed to the increased loss. The company is still in the process of obtaining Blue List and Green List certifications, which could impact future sales. There are ongoing challenges in scaling production capacity to meet potential large contract demands. Q & A Highlights Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with DPRO. Q: Can you comment on Draganfly's status on the AUVSI green list and the impact of the new drone memo by Secretary Heeth on these classifications? A: Cameron Shell, CEO, acknowledged that initially, the importance of being on the Blue List was underestimated. Draganfly is now in the process of testing for the Blue List and has submitted for the Green List. Despite the delay, it hasn't hindered sales into defense and law enforcement. The focus remains on demonstrating capabilities, performance, and compliance with supply chain criteria. Q: With a healthy cash balance, what are Draganfly's plans for these funds? A: Cameron Shell, CEO, stated that the focus is on organic growth and scaling the ability to iterate quickly, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage. While some M&A activity is being considered, the primary goal is to ensure customer confidence and support growth with a strong balance sheet. Q: How is Draganfly positioned in terms of production capacity to handle potential large contracts? A: Cameron Shell, CEO, explained that Draganfly has built up production capacity over the last couple of years, which was necessary to secure current orders. The company is also pursuing additional contract manufacturing capabilities to scale further, ensuring readiness for detailed customer requirements. Q: Has Draganfly seen increased interest from police departments adopting drones as first responders? A: Cameron Shell, CEO, noted significant interest, particularly from smaller and rural departments. While larger departments have been early adopters, the focus is on providing multi-mission drones to smaller agencies, which are quicker to move and have different budget constraints. Q: Could an end to the Ukraine conflict negatively impact Draganfly or the drone industry? A: Cameron Shell, CEO, believes that the conflict has highlighted the essential role of drones, and their use will likely continue to increase even if the conflict ends. The focus will shift to areas like ISR logistics, demining, and reconstruction, ensuring continued demand for diverse drone applications. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Toronto Star
5 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
Draganfly Announces Second Quarter Results of 2025 with 37% Increase in YoY Product Sales
Vancouver, BC., Aug. 11, 2025 (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 its second quarter financial results. Key Financial and Operational Highlights for Q2 2025:
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Draganfly Inc. Sells Its Heavy Lift Drones to a Fortune 50 Telecommunications Company
Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ:DPRO) is one of the Best Small-Cap Drone Stocks to Invest In. On July 30, Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ:DPRO) reported that it has sold its Heavy Lift Drones to a Fortune 50 telecommunications company. After extensive testing, Draganfly completed the sale of its Heavy-Lift Drones to a Fortune 50 telecom firm for UAV-based emergency response and emergency communication capabilities. The company has sold its drones in partnership with Infinity Communications. The Heavy Lift drones will be deployed in disaster recovery operations to transport essential supplies and provide communications. 'Thanks to our work along with Draganfly, our Fortune 50 Customer will be able to benefit from the vital role UAV technology and automation can play in disaster response. By integrating Draganfly's Heavy Lift drones into our deployment strategy, we demonstrated rapid, reliable delivery of life-saving equipment and swift restoration of communications in the most challenging conditions,' said Chris Coltrain, National Disaster Recovery Director at Infinity Communications. Draganfly's Heavy Lift drones are equipped with different remote sensors along with logistics and communications payloads. These capabilities make Heavy Lift drones an ideal tool for delivering critical supplies and restoring connectivity in areas affected by storms, infrastructure failure, or other emergencies. Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ:DPRO) is a leading drone solution and software provider that is transforming industries and serving stakeholders globally. While we acknowledge the potential of DPRO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
07-08-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Drone-as-a-Service Market Revenue Estimated to Reach $27 Billion by 2033 with Robust Growth Expected in Coming Years
PALM BEACH, Fla., Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FN Media Group News Commentary - According to a report from Verified Market Reports: 'The Drone-as-a-Service Market Revenue was valued at USD 6.3 Billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 27.3 Billion By 2033, growing at a CAGR of 18.1% From 2026 To 2033. The report said: 'The Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) market is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in drone technology and increasing demand for efficient aerial solutions across various sectors. DaaS provides businesses with access to drone services without the need for significant upfront investment in hardware or software. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the number of registered drones in the U.S. reached over 1.7 million by 2022, highlighting the growing acceptance and integration of drone technology in commercial applications. This market is characterized by its flexibility and scalability, allowing companies to utilize drone capabilities for specific tasks such as surveying, monitoring, and data collection. Industries such as agriculture, construction, logistics, and environmental management are harnessing the benefits of drone services to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. The global DaaS market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 25% from 2023 to 2030, according to various industry reports.' Active Companies in the drone industries include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRO), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS). Verified Market Reports continued: 'An important aspect of the DaaS market is data analytics, which plays a crucial role in transforming raw drone-captured data into actionable insights. By utilizing advanced analytics tools, businesses can make informed decisions based on the data collected through aerial surveys and inspections. This not only enhances productivity but also provides a competitive edge in industries that rely heavily on precise data for planning and execution. The applications of Drone-as-a-Service span multiple industries, showcasing its versatility. In agriculture, drones are used for crop monitoring and precision farming, while in construction, they facilitate site surveys and project management. Additionally, in logistics, drones are increasingly employed for last-mile delivery solutions, reflecting the growing trend towards automated and efficient supply chains. The adoption of DaaS is expected to continue expanding as organizations recognize the value of integrating aerial services into their operations.' ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Acquires Cardinal Civil Resources, a Virginia-Based Land Surveying and Engineering Firm Serving Three States and Large Customers Including US Department of Transportation - ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) ("ZenaTech"), a business technology solution provider specializing in AI-powered drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces the closing of its eighth and largest Drone as a Service acquisition to date. The Company acquired Cardinal Civil Resources, a land surveying and engineering firm headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia with operations across Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The acquisition deepens ZenaTech's DaaS footprint in the Southeast region and portfolio of marquee major customers including the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). The acquisition also comes at a pivotal time for the domestic drone industry, aligning with the recent policy directive BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) proposal introduced by US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, aimed at expanding the commercial use of unmanned systems nationwide. Founded in 2010 by a land survey and engineering industry veteran, Cardinal Civil Resources has earned a strong reputation for delivering complex survey and mapping projects for USDOT and other federal agencies, and for state agencies, municipalities and prominent city customers. Cardinal's commercial portfolio includes a large national homebuilder as well as custom residential developers, large-scale multi-unit builders, airport hangars, and the US National Park Service, reflecting the breadth of its operations and depth of trusted client relationships. 'This eighth acquisition not only further expands our national footprint, but it connects us to a deeply rooted base of premier long-term government and commercial clients,' said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. 'Cardinal's trusted relationships, from transportation agencies to nationally recognized homebuilders, provides a solid foundation to scale Drone as a Service in the Southeast. With the proposed BVLOS rule just introduced by the US Transportation Secretary and growing national momentum around domestic infrastructure modernization, we believe ZenaTech's DaaS is well-positioned to lead where innovation meets demand.' Cardinal Civil Resources enhances ZenaTech's DaaS capabilities in the following key areas: Established Southeast Operations and immediate entry into high-growth markets across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, regions with sustained infrastructure investment and public contracting activity Multi-year Government Contracts with federal, state, and key local municipalities, which provides stable, long-term revenue and deepens the company's expertise in public-sector projects Commercial/Builder Client Base, which spans national homebuilders, residential developers, airport facilities, and park services opens new verticals for scalable Drone as a Service deployment US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's August 5 proposed rule to expand Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations removes the need for case-by-case waivers, replacing them with a streamlined, standardized framework. This change unlocks wider drone use for many government land and road projects. The Company believes the Cardinal acquisition is perfectly timed, leveraging ZenaDrone's advanced drone technology with Cardinal's proven surveying expertise to deliver faster, efficient, safer and more precise results for government projects particularly with larger areas to survey or for remote and inaccessible terrains suited to a BVLOS drone. ZenaTech has now completed eight US acquisitions toward its goal of acquiring and establishing 25 Drone as a Service locations nationwide by mid-next year. The company's DaaS model provides flexible, on-demand access to drone services for surveying, inspections, automation, and more, eliminating the need for customers to invest in drone hardware and software, pilots, maintenance, or regulatory compliance. The company is acquiring land survey engineering companies and other businesses ripe for innovation, to advance its national vision for a scalable, tech-enabled multiservice drone business anchored by existing customers and recurring revenue opportunities. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: Other recent developments in the markets include: Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an award-winning, industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, proudly participated at the Pentagon's Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack Systems ('LUCAS') at a recent invite-only event. Selected by MMS Products, Inc. ('MMS'), the developer of the Mjolnir Modular Munition System ('Mjolnir'), Draganfly's UAV platforms were showcased with integrated kinetic payload capabilities, demonstrating the future of low-cost, scalable, autonomous lethality for modern conflict. This milestone builds on the Company's 2024 collaboration with MMS' Mjolnir, in which Draganfly was chosen to develop a tactical multi-drop payload system. The Pentagon event provided a national-stage venue for demonstrating this integrated solution to senior U.S. Department of Defense officials and allied partners from across the global defense enterprise. Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered defense and security solutions recently applauded efforts by the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) proposed rules for normalizing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations, eliminating a previously time consuming and burdensome regulatory process. The FAA proposal envisions that drones would have technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence-powered object detection, that enable them to automatically detect and avoid other cooperating aircraft. The Company expects this landmark proposal will expand the use of its AI-powered computer vision and object detection technologies and accelerate the deployment of such AI-powered drone systems for government, public, and private customers. According to the Commercial Drone Alliance, the proposed action to normalize BVLOS operations in the National Airspace System will unlock transformative scaled drone applications across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, public safety, emergency response, infrastructure inspection, and logistics. Prior to the new rules proposal, according to analysis, the drone services market had an estimated value of $8.66 billion in 2025 and was expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.3%, reaching an estimated $32.96 billion by 2035. AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRO) recently announced at EAA AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, WI, the development of its new middle-mile, medium-lift cargo drone and the expansion of its operations into the YMX Innovation Zone in Mirabel, Quebec. The initiative is led by its Electric Air Mobility segment, Jaunt Air Mobility, and its Canadian subsidiary, Jaunt Air Mobility Canada. Jaunt's presence in this hub for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) innovation strengthens its collaboration with Vertiko Mobilité, a Canadian leader in AAM operations and ground infrastructure development, and benefits from the support of Aéroports de Montréal (ADM). "We're thrilled to unveil our cargo drone—an innovative solution designed to serve both remote and urban communities," said Martin Peryea, SVP & GM of AIRO's Electric Air Mobility segment and leader of Jaunt. "Our work on the CORRIDAIR Project with our partner Vertiko Mobilité demonstrated the transformative potential of this technology, especially for First Nation communities in rural Quebec, where access to critical medical supplies and fuel is limited. Building on that success, and integrating advanced drone technologies from across AIRO, we believe that we're uniquely positioned to harness the full capabilities of YMX's infrastructure and ecosystem." AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE:UAVS), a leading provider of advanced drone and aerial imaging solutions, recently announced that its Switzerland facility has officially received ISO 9001 certification from third-party auditors following an intensive review of its Quality Management System in June. This prestigious recognition highlights AgEagle's unwavering dedication to quality, safety, and innovation in drone production. 'We are thrilled to receive formal notification of our ISO 9001 certification for our Swiss facility,' said Bill Irby, CEO of AgEagle. 'The ISO 9001 certification validates our rigorous quality processes and positions us to meet the exacting standards of our global customers. This milestone is a proud moment for AgEagle as we continue to deliver trusted, innovative solutions.' About FN Media Group: DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates and is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE. This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". 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