- Technology
As North America races to secure its drone supply chain...
$10 Million Strategic Investment Puts Draganfly at the Center of the Buildout
- September 28, 2026
Unusual Machines and a leading U.S. investment fund are making a strategic investment in Draganfly (NASDAQ: DPRO), amid growing defense and public safety demand.
The drone industry is entering a new phase. What was once considered a niche technology is quickly becoming critical infrastructure.
From protecting soldiers and securing borders to fighting wildfires, responding to emergencies, and delivering critical supplies – drones are becoming part of everyday life faster than anyone anticipated.
Drones can now coordinate autonomously in swarms. AI is expanding what they can see, hear, and even smell. Counter-drone technology is becoming a new layer of security. Increasingly, they’re taking on an ever-expanding range of missions once reserved for helicopters and manned crews.
And few companies have positioned themselves across as many of these applications as Draganfly (NASDAQ: DPRO).
Decades of innovation have given Draganfly a foothold across some of the fastest-growing areas of the drone market.
Draganfly is already supporting U.S. military programs with mission-ready drone technology, including Flex FPV systems and training for Air Force Special Operations Command units. The company’s growing defense footprint spans reconnaissance, tactical operations, and kinetic applications.
A new five-year contract begins with 100 tactical ISR systems and includes options for up to 4,900 additional systems. The agreement also extends across training, maintenance, oversight, and ongoing software and equipment support.
Draganfly and F4 Defense International were selected for a U.S. Army development program focused on detecting and defeating hostile drones. The platform will combine aerial surveillance and targeting with coordinated ground- and air-based capabilities.
Draganfly has integrated Palladyne AI’s SwarmOS technology, enabling multiple drones to coordinate and adapt autonomously. If communications are disrupted or individual drones are lost, the remaining swarm is designed to adapt and continue the mission.
Draganfly supports Cochise County’s drone program along the U.S.-Mexico border, including surveillance, rapid-response, and nighttime operations. With more than 6,200 square miles of territory to monitor across the Countyi, Draganfly offers an eye in the sky in areas that would be nearly impossible to patrol from the ground.
Draganfly was selected by IACLEA as its exclusive partner to help universities across North America build compliant drone programs. A series of high-profile incidents have pushed campus security into the national spotlight – increasing pressure to find more effective ways to monitor threats and respond to emergencies.
Behind these growing contracts is a broad product suite, with drones purpose-built for unique mission objectives.
At one end are Draganfly’s tactical FPV systems, available in configurations as small as 5 inches and capable of carrying payloads up to 6.6 pounds.
At the other is its 10-foot-wide Heavy Lift platform, designed to carry as much as 66 pounds. In between are long-range ISR systems, versatile multi-rotor aircraft, and fixed-wing platforms.
Draganfly’s sensors and payloads can provide thermal imaging and real-time intelligence, support beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations, and be configured for everything from surveillance to precision cargo delivery.
That range gives Draganfly multiple ways to compete as drone adoption moves into the mainstream. The next challenge is delivering it at scale.
$10 Million to Fuel the Next Stage of Expansion
A major influx of new capital could help meet this rising demand.
Draganfly has announced a $10 million strategic investment from Unusual Machines and a leading U.S. investment fund representing defense industry interests.
The investment comes as Draganfly builds on growing defense activity across the U.S. and Canada, including its recent Canadian Armed Forces contract and expanding work with U.S. defense organizations.
This new capital will be used to expand manufacturing, support the recently awarded defense programs, and accelerate development across counter-drone technology, autonomy, AI, and machine vision.
Draganfly also plans to strengthen domestic sourcing of critical drone components. This is increasingly important as North America pushes for more secure, domestically sourced drone supply chains.
The financing could give Draganfly the resources to build on its growing pipeline and pursue acquisitions and partnerships that open new market opportunities.
A 27-Year Edge In Drone Technology
Public agencies and private-sector operators need proven, field-tested drone technology built for demanding environments.
Draganfly’s legacy stretches back more than 27 years.
Long before drones became central to defense and emergency response, Draganfly was already developing and deploying the technology.
Now policy is beginning to catch up. When Congress passed the SAFER SKIES Act in December 2025, it fundamentally transformed the role drones can play in public safety.
For the first time, state and local law enforcement gained authority to detect and counter rogue drones at stadiums, large events, and college campuses – but only using federally approved technology.ii
At the same time, new rules under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) are restricting the use of federal grants to purchase drones made by foreign entities.iii That includes Chinese manufacturers which have historically supplied more than 80% of America’s drone fleets.iv
That dependence has already created serious supply-chain vulnerabilities. In October 2024, China imposed sanctions on Skydio, America’s largest drone manufacturer, cutting off access to batteries.
The company was forced to ration its battery supply while it secured alternative sources. Just the restriction of one critical component was enough to disrupt the supply chain of America’s largest drone manufacturer.v
Agencies relying on federal funding need compliant alternatives now. And unlike many of its competitors, Draganfly’s NDAA-compliant platforms already meet these strict requirements.
The First Drone to Save a Human Life
More than a decade ago, Draganfly earned its place in aviation history.
In 2013, an individual injured in an automobile accident wandered away from the crash site in subfreezing weather.
Dressed only in a t-shirt and pants, he was already in the later stages of hypothermia when Draganfly’s thermal imaging technology located him.
The rescue marked a major milestone for an industry that was still in its infancy — demonstrating that drones could do far more than capture images from the sky. They could go where people couldn’t, search large areas quickly, and provide critical information when every second mattered.
Smithsonian Magazine called the event:
“The most significant aeronautical revolution in decades.”vi
There’s even a Draganfly drone at the Smithsonian Museum to commemorate it.
Today, those capabilities have become dramatically more advanced. Draganfly’s systems can maintain secure communications beyond line-of-sight and transmit large amounts of data in real time — allowing drones to operate from a safe distance, enter areas too dangerous for emergency personnel, and provide critical intelligence back to responders on the ground.
Its specialized sensor technology can also detect vital signs such as heart rate, respiration, and blood oxygen levels, providing another layer of information that could help responders assess people remotely during search-and-rescue and emergency operations.
That legacy of innovation is now attracting executives, directors, and advisors from some of the highest levels of U.S. defense and national security.
Defense Heavyweights Join the Draganfly Team
CEO & President
At the center of it is Cameron Chell, a technology entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience building and scaling technology companies.
Chell has led Draganfly as CEO since 2019 and now also serves as Chairman of the Board. Under his leadership, the company has expanded deeper into defense, public safety, autonomous systems, and North American manufacturing.
President, Draganfly Defense USA
Pasagian brings more than 35 years of U.S. Marine Corps experience to Draganfly.
As Commanding General of Marine Corps Systems Command, he served as acquisition decision authority for more than 450 Marine Corps programs and led an organization of more than 2,400 personnel.
That background puts someone who understands the military acquisition process from the inside at the helm of Draganfly’s Defense USA operations.
Board of Directors
Miller previously served as Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense and has held senior national-security positions at the National Security Council and U.S. Special Operations Command.
His background brings decades of experience spanning defense, intelligence, counterterrorism, and national security to Draganfly’s Board.
Board of Directors
Modly served as Acting Secretary of the Navy and the 33rd Under Secretary of the Navy.
His background spans military service, government, business, and defense leadership, adding experience around the institutions and procurement environments Draganfly is increasingly targeting.
As Draganfly pushes deeper into military procurement and moves from innovation toward production at scale, that experience could become increasingly important.
7 Reasons to Watch Draganfly (NASDAQ: DPRO) Right Now
- $10 Million in Strategic Capital: Draganfly announced a $10 million strategic financing by a leading U.S. Investment Firm and Unusual Machines. The capital is intended to help scale manufacturing, support defense programs, and accelerate development across counter-drone, autonomy, and AI technologies.
- Defense Contracts Are Stacking Up: Draganfly is gaining traction across both U.S. and allied defense markets. Its five-year Canadian Armed Forces contract starts with 100 tactical ISR systems and includes options for up to 4,900 more, while its technology is also supporting programs involving the U.S. Army and Air Force Special Operations Command.
- Regulatory Tailwinds Favor Domestic Suppliers: As federal policy pushes agencies away from foreign-built drones, Draganfly already checks many of the boxes they’re looking for. North American-built, NDAA-compliant, and proven in real-world operations.
- Diverse Technology for the Next Generation of Drone Warfare: Draganfly isn’t focused on a single type of aircraft. Its technology now spans counter-drone systems, autonomous swarms, tactical FPV drones, ISR, AI, machine vision, and persistent surveillance – many of the capabilities increasingly shaping modern defense operations.
- Leadership With Deep Defense Experience: Draganfly’s leadership ranks now include a former Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense, a former Acting Secretary of the Navy, and a retired Marine Corps Brigadier General who oversaw more than 450 acquisition programs.
- 27-Year Legacy Of Innovation: Draganfly’s history stretches back more than two decades, including development of the first drone credited with saving a human life. Deployments span defense, public safety, border security, emergency response, and other mission-critical applications.
- Moving From Innovator to Producer: This may be the biggest shift in the story. After decades developing and deploying drone technology, Draganfly is now directing new capital toward manufacturing, production capacity, domestic sourcing, and execution of larger defense programs.
Several major trends are converging – and Draganfly is positioned right at the center.
Governments are establishing new standards. Regulations are reshaping procurement. Defense agencies are accelerating modernization. And institutions across North America are beginning to implement drone programs at a scale that was difficult to imagine just a few years ago.
Draganfly is already participating in that transformation across public safety, defense, wildfire response, border security, and healthcare.
To receive future company announcements, contract awards, operational milestones, and other important developments as they happen, sign up with your email address below.
i https://www.cochise.az.gov/491/_2015
ii https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3481/text/is
iii https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10515
iv https://www.stripes.com/opinion/2026-05-21/china-drones-supply-chain-rare-earths-21740092.html
v https://www.skydio.com/blog/chinas-sanctions-on-skydio
vi https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/this-drone-can-save-your-life-180955994/
IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
This article is a paid advertisement. Think Ink Marketing and its owners, managers, employees, and assigns (collectively “the Publisher”) is often paid by profiled companies or third parties to organize marketing campaigns, which include the creation and dissemination of these types of communications. In this case, in an effort to enhance public awareness of for Draganfly Inc (“DPRO”) and its securities, DPRO has provided the Publisher with a budget of approximately $200,000 USD to cover the costs associated with the creation and distribution of this communication. The Publisher may retain any excess sums after expenses as its compensation. This compensation should be viewed as a major conflict with our ability to be unbiased. Readers should beware that third parties, profiled companies, and/or their affiliates may liquidate shares of the profiled companies at any time, including at or near the time you receive this communication, which has the potential to hurt share prices. Frequently companies profiled in our articles experience a large increase in volume and share price during the course of investor awareness marketing, which often ends as soon as the investor awareness marketing ceases. The investor awareness marketing may be as brief as one day, after which a large decrease in volume and share price may likely occur. This communication is not, and should not be construed to be, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Neither this communication nor the Publisher purport to provide a complete analysis of any company or its financial position. The Publisher is not, and does not purport to be, a broker-dealer or registered investment adviser. This communication is not, and should not be construed to be, personalized investment advice directed to or appropriate for any particular investor. Any investment should be made only after consulting a professional investment advisor and only after reviewing the financial statements and other pertinent corporate information about the company. Further, readers are advised to read and carefully consider the Risk Factors identified and discussed in the advertised company’s SEC, SEDAR and/or other government filings. Investing in securities, particularly microcap securities, is speculative and carries a high degree of risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This communication is based on information generally available to the public and on interviews with company management, and does not (to the Publisher’s knowledge, as confirmed by DPRO) contain any material, non-public information. The information on which it is based is believed to be reliable. Nevertheless, the Publisher cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information.
SHARE OWNERSHIP.
The Publisher does not own any shares of DPRO and has no information concerning share ownership by others of in DPRO. The Publisher cautions readers to beware that third parties, profiled companies, and/or their affiliates may liquidate shares of the profiled companies at any time, including at or near the time you read the articles on this website and this has the potential to hurt share prices. Frequently companies profiled in such articles experience a large increase in volume and share price during the course of investor awareness marketing, which often ends as soon as the investor awareness marketing ceases.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS.
This publication contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected continual DPROwth of the featured companies and/or industry. The Publisher notes that statements contained herein that look forward in time, which include everything other than historical information, involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the companies’ actual results of operations. Wherever possible, words such as “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “anticipate” or “does not anticipate”, “believe”, “intend” and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) revenue generating potential with respect to DPRO’s industry; (b) market opportunity; (c) DPRO’s business plans and strategies; (d) services that DPRO intends to offer; (e) DPRO’s milestone projections and targets; (f) DPRO’s expectations regarding receipt of approval for regulatory applications; (g) DPRO’s intentions to expand into other jurisdictions including the timeline expectations relating to those expansion plans; and (h) DPRO’s expectations regarding its ability to deliver shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this document including, without limitation, assumptions about: (a) the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute DPRO’s business plan; (b) that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; (c) DPRO’s ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; (d) DPRO’s ability to enter into contractual arrangements; (e) the accuracy of budgeted costs and expenditures; (f) DPRO’s ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (g) political and regulatory stability; (h) the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third-party approvals, licenses and permits on favorable terms; (i) changes in applicable legislation; (j) stability in financial and capital markets; and (k) expectations regarding the level of disruption as a result of COVID-19. Such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of DPRO to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (a) DPRO operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; (b) public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely impact DPRO’s business; (c) the volatility of global capital markets; (d) political instability and changes to the regulations governing DPRO’s business operations (e) DPRO may be unable to implement its DPROwth strategy; and (f) increased competition. Except as required by law, the Website Host undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise.
INDEMNIFICATION/RELEASE OF LIABILITY.
By reading this communication, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer, and further that to the greatest extent permitted under law, you release the Publisher, its affiliates, assigns and successors from any and all liability, damages, and injury from this communication. You further warrant that you are solely responsible for any financial outcome that may come from your investment decisions.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
Think Ink Marketing is the Publisher’s trademark. All other trademarks used in this communication are the property of their respective trademark holders. The Publisher is not affiliated, connected, or associated with, and is not sponsored, approved, or originated by, the trademark holders unless otherwise stated. No claim is made by the Publisher to any rights in any third-party trademarks.
IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
This website is owned and hosted by Tycona Media Ltd. Articles appearing on this website should be considered paid advertisements. Tycona Media Ltd. and its owners, managers, employees, and assigns (collectively “the Website Host”) is often paid by marketing companies to host websites on which articles profiling public companies are published. The Website Host has not been compensated by any of the profiled companies. The Website Host’s compensation for articles appearing on this website is as follows:
The Website Host has been paid approximately $500 per month while the advertisement campaign is active by Think Ink Marketing as compensation to host the article profiling Draganfly Inc (“DPRO”).
SHARE OWNERSHIP
The Website Host does not own any shares of any profiled compannies and has no information concerning share ownership by others of any profiled companies. The Website Host cautions readers to beware that third parties, profiled companies, and/or their affiliates may liquidate shares of the profiled companies at any time, including at or near the time you read the articles on this website and this has the potential to hurt share prices. Frequently companies profiled in such articles experience a large increase in volume and share price during the course of investor awareness marketing, which often ends as soon as the investor awareness marketing ceases.
NO SECURITIES OFFERED
The articles on this website are not, and should not be construed to be, offers to sell or solicitations of an offer to buy any security. Neither the articles on this website nor the Website Host purport to provide a complete analysis of DPRO or its financial position. The Website Host is not, and does not purport to be, a broker-dealer or registered investment adviser. The articles on this website are not, and should not be construed to be, personalized investment advice directed to or appropriate for any particular investor. Any investment should be made only after consulting a professional investment advisor and only after reviewing the financial statements and other pertinent corporate information about DPRO Further, readers are advised to read and carefully consider the Risk Factors identified and discussed in DPRO’s SEC, SEDAR and/or other government filings. Investing in securities, particularly microcap securities, is speculative and carries a high degree of risk.
INDEMNIFICATION/RELEASE OF LIABILITY
By reading articles on this website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer, and further that to the greatest extent permitted under law, you release the Website Host, its affiliates, assigns and successors from any and all liability, damages, and injury from articles appearing on this website. You further warrant that you are solely responsible for any financial outcome that may come from your investment decisions.
LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES
This website enables users to link to external websites not under the control of The Website Host. The Website Host has no control over the nature, content, and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links is not intended as, and should not be construed as, a recommendation or endorsement of the content or views expressed on such external websites. The Website Host expressly disclaims any representation concerning the quality, safety, suitability, or reliability of any external websites and the content and materials contained in them. It is important for users to take necessary precautions, especially to ensure appropriate safety.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The Tomorrow Investor is the Website Host’s trademark. All other trademarks used in this communication are the property of their respective trademark holders. The Website Host is not affiliated, connected, or associated with, and is not sponsored, approved, or originated by, the trademark holders unless otherwise stated. No claim is made by the Website Host to any rights in any third-party trademarks.
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
This document contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which reflect expectations regarding DPRO’s future growth, future business plans and opportunities, expected activities, and other statements about future events, results or performance. Wherever possible, words such as “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “anticipate” or “does not anticipate”, “believe”, “intend” and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) revenue generating potential with respect to DPRO’s industry; (b) market opportunity; (c) DPRO’s business plans and strategies; (d) services that DPRO intends to offer; (e) DPRO’s milestone projections and targets; (f) DPRO’s expectations regarding receipt of approval for regulatory applications; (g) DPRO’s intentions to expand into other jurisdictions including the timeline expectations relating to those expansion plans; and (h) DPRO’s expectations regarding its ability to deliver shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this document including, without limitation, assumptions about: (a) the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute DPRO’s business plan; (b) that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; (c) DPRO’s ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; (d) DPRO’s ability to enter into contractual arrangements; (e) the accuracy of budgeted costs and expenditures; (f) DPRO’s ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (g) political and regulatory stability; (h) the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third-party approvals, licenses and permits on favorable terms; (i) changes in applicable legislation; (j) stability in financial and capital markets; and (k) expectations regarding the level of disruption as a result of COVID-19. Such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of DPRO to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (a) DPRO’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; (b) public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely impact DPRO’s business; (c) the volatility of global capital markets; (d) political instability and changes to the regulations governing DPRO’s business operations (e) DPRO may be unable to implement its growth strategy; and (f) increased competition. Except as required by law, the Website Host undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Any graphs, tables or other information demonstrating the historical performance or current or historical attributes of DPRO or any other entity contained in this document are intended only to illustrate historical performance or current or historical attributes of DPRO or such entities and are not necessarily indicative of future performance of DPRO or such entities.
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
RELATED NEWS
ANALYST REPORT
Initiating Coverage on Draganfly with a Buy Rating and $19 Price Target
Read More…(PDF)
FEATURED IN
Discover the Opportunity Behind Draganfly
To Your Watch List Today!
