US Army Places $52+ M order for Skydio UASs

California-based Skydio has announced an order exceeding $52 million for over 2,500 X10D drones, or Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), from the US Army.  The order is the largest Small UAS procurement from a single manufacturer in the US Army’s history and moved from bid to award in less than 72 hours.

“This order reflects the decisive role small autonomous systems now play in modern conflict and the Army’s commitment to putting those capabilities in soldiers’ hands,” said Mark Valentine, Skydio’s Global Head of National Security Strategy.“It also shows that the US can deliver world-class drone capability at the scale and speed demanded by today’s operational environment.” 

The Skydio X10D system delivers world-leading Intelligence, Reconnaissance, and Surveillance (ISR) capability at the platoon level, the company says, with technologies tested under the most severe conditions, including those found on the modern battlefield. It is capable of flying autonomously, without GPS, using onboard navigation cameras to map terrain in real time and maintain flight in contested environments. Its multiband radio provides seamless connectivity by optimizing frequency use in high-interference areas.

With high-resolution visual and radiometric thermal cameras, X10D gives operators persistent situational awareness in day and night conditions from a position of cover.

Skydio is trusted by every branch of the US military and by 29 allied nations, the company says. This order reflects sustained operational confidence as the Army rapidly scales autonomous reconnaissance capabilities beyond the constraints of traditional acquisition timelines, it adds.

Every X10D is manufactured at Skydio’s facility in Hayward, California. The Hayward facility has scaled output to support orders of this size while maintaining the reliability standards demanded by customers.