Draganfly to Supply Flex FPV Drones to U.S. Army, Pioneers Embedded Manufacturing Process

Embedded Manufacturing Brings Production Closer to Operations

Draganfly Inc. has been selected by the U.S. Army to supply its Flex FPV drone systems, marking an important step in bringing drone production and sustainment closer to the point of need. Under the initial order, the company will not only provide Flex FPV systems but also support the establishment of on-site manufacturing capabilities at overseas U.S. Forces facilities.

This embedded manufacturing process is designed to reduce logistical delays, ensure secure supply chains, and enable troops to maintain equipment in the field. By training Army personnel in both drone operation and manufacturing, Draganfly aims to help units sustain drone deployments without relying on extended supply lines. This approach represents a shift toward decentralized innovation, ensuring critical technologies remain available under dynamic battlefield conditions.

“By combining advanced Flex FPV Drone systems, embedded manufacturing, training and secure logistics, we are helping reinforce operational agility and sustainment for forward-deployed forces,” said Cameron Chell, Draganfly President and CEO.

FPV Drones in Modern Conflict

First Person View (FPV) drones have rapidly emerged as a disruptive technology in modern warfare. These small, agile aircraft, typically piloted through onboard cameras and headsets, provide operators with a direct view of the battlefield. Their speed, maneuverability, and relatively low cost have made them a central feature of Ukraine’s defense strategy since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

In Ukraine, FPV drones have been weaponized for precision strikes, often carrying small explosives against tanks, vehicles, and fortified positions. Their effectiveness stems from their ability to evade traditional defenses and operate in contested environments. Units frequently adapt commercial off-the-shelf hardware, supported by local workshops capable of designing, assembling, and repairing drones on short timelines.

The U.S. Army has been studying these developments closely. Recent exercises, including Swift Response 2025 in Lithuania, saw American paratroopers operate in-house-built FPV drones against vehicle-sized targets. In August 2025, the Army reported its first air-to-air kill using an armed FPV platform, demonstrating how these systems are evolving beyond ground attack roles.

Significance of Embedded Manufacturing

By integrating embedded manufacturing into forward bases, the Army is adopting lessons learned from Ukraine’s approach—prioritizing adaptability, local production, and rapid turnaround. Instead of relying solely on traditional procurement and distribution, U.S. forces will have the ability to design, modify, and repair drones on-site.

This shift addresses one of the central challenges of drone warfare: supply-chain vulnerability. FPV drones are often consumed at high rates in conflict, and delays in resupply can reduce combat effectiveness. Embedding production directly into operational environments reduces these risks while also allowing frontline units to tailor systems for specific missions.

Draganfly’s Role

With more than 25 years in the drone sector, Draganfly has built solutions for public safety, agriculture, industrial inspection, and defense. Its selection by the U.S. Army highlights a growing trend of leveraging commercial drone expertise for military applications. The Flex FPV system, combined with an embedded manufacturing model, positions the company at the center of efforts to make drone operations more agile and sustainable.

As drone warfare continues to evolve, the ability to produce, adapt, and deploy FPV systems close to the fight may become as critical as the drones themselves. Draganfly’s work with the Army illustrates how lessons from Ukraine are shaping U.S. defense strategies and accelerating the decentralization of drone innovation.