Additive Manufacturing Helps Build Flexibility, Scale, and Supply Chain Resilience At AUVSI’s XPONENTIAL 2026 conference in Detroit, one theme surfaced repeatedly across panels and interviews: the future of U.S. drone manufacturing may not look anything like the mass-production model pioneered in China. Instead of trying to recreate enormous factories optimized for millions … [Read more...] about US Drone Makers Are Building a Different Kind of Factory
defense drones
Tulip Tech Expands European UAV Battery Production with New Investment
Dutch battery company aims to strengthen drone supply chains and extend mission endurance European drone battery company Tulip Tech announced a new strategic investment this week as demand grows for non-Chinese drone components and stronger regional supply chains. The company said the investment comes from Parcom and Keen Venture Partners. Tulip Tech plans to use the funding … [Read more...] about Tulip Tech Expands European UAV Battery Production with New Investment
Buffalo’s Natrion Rolls Out NDAA-Compliant Drone Battery Cells
The Buffalo-based battery materials company debuts NDAA-compliant pouch cells with up to 80% more energy density than standard Li-ion. Natrion has launched defense-optimized battery cells for uncrewed systems including drones, surface and underwater vessels, ground vehicles, and humanoids. The Buffalo, New York-based company announced the new product lines on May 14, 2026. The … [Read more...] about Buffalo’s Natrion Rolls Out NDAA-Compliant Drone Battery Cells
From The Floor of XPONENTIAL: AIRO and Jaunt Reveal Dual-Use VTOL Aircraft for Defense and Cargo Missions
Jaunt Air Mobility's autonomous slowed-rotor platform targets defense ISR, cargo logistics, and remote operations in two mission variants. AIRO Group Holdings has publicly unveiled its full-scale autonomous VTOL aircraft at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit. The Nasdaq-listed aerospace and defense company announced the reveal on May 12, 2026. The aircraft comes from AIRO's … [Read more...] about From The Floor of XPONENTIAL: AIRO and Jaunt Reveal Dual-Use VTOL Aircraft for Defense and Cargo Missions
Saildrone Deploys 16 Voyager USVs for Coast Guard Great Lakes Mission
The Bay Area autonomous maritime company brings persistent surveillance to the Great Lakes and Northeast under a $15.5 million Coast Guard contract. Saildrone is deploying 16 Voyager unmanned surface vehicles in support of US Coast Guard missions across the Great Lakes and the Northeast. The Alameda, California-based company announced the deployment on May 11, 2026. The deal … [Read more...] about Saildrone Deploys 16 Voyager USVs for Coast Guard Great Lakes Mission
