Draganfly Unveils New APEX Drone: The Next Evolution in Military and Law Enforcement Drone Systems

Rhea-AI Summary

Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) has unveiled its newest product, the APEX Drone, designed for military and law enforcement surveillance operations. This compact, transportable version of the Commander 3XL offers up to 45 minutes of flight time and a 5-pound payload capacity. Key features include:

- Quick-release, exchangeable payload system
- Optional Nvidia onboard computing for AI performance
- Various communication link options, including COFDM
- Designed and manufactured in North America

The APEX drone will debut at the Land Forces Conference in Melbourne, Australia, from September 11-13, 2024, introducing it to the Asia-Pacific defence industry.

Positive

• Launch of new APEX Drone tailored for military and law enforcement needs
• Up to 45 minutes of flight time and 5-pound payload capacity
• Quick-release, exchangeable payload system for operational flexibility
• Optional Nvidia onboard computing for advanced AI capabilities
• Designed and manufactured in North America, meeting high government and military standards
• Global debut at Land Forces Conference, potentially expanding market reach

Negative

• None.

Tech Expert

The unveiling of Draganfly's APEX Drone marks a significant advancement in military and law enforcement drone technology. With its 45-minute flight time and 5-pound payload capacity, the APEX offers impressive capabilities in a compact form factor. The quick-release, exchangeable payload system enhances versatility, allowing for rapid adaptation to various mission requirements.

The optional Nvidia onboard computing is a game-changer, enabling advanced AI algorithms and real-time data processing directly on the drone. This feature could potentially revolutionize surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The COFDM communication link addresses a critical need in military operations, ensuring reliable control in RF-challenged environments.

While the APEX shows promise, its real-world performance and adoption rates will be important in determining Draganfly's market position. Investors should monitor customer feedback and sales figures following the Land Forces Conference debut.

Market Research Analyst

Draganfly's strategic move with the APEX Drone aligns well with the growing global demand for advanced UAV systems in defense and law enforcement. The North American manufacturing aspect is particularly noteworthy, potentially giving Draganfly an edge in securing contracts with Western allies amid increasing geopolitical tensions.

The drone market is highly competitive, but Draganfly's focus on modularity and customization could set it apart. The $2.13 billion global military drone market (2023) is projected to reach $3.57 billion by 2028, presenting significant growth opportunities. However, Draganfly will need to effectively differentiate the APEX from competitors and navigate complex procurement processes to capitalize on this potential.

Investors should watch for initial orders and partnerships following the Land Forces Conference, as these will be key indicators of market reception and potential revenue impact.

Financial Analyst

The launch of the APEX Drone could be a pivotal moment for Draganfly's financial outlook. As a NASDAQ-listed company, Draganfly needs to demonstrate strong product innovation and market penetration to justify its valuation. The APEX, targeting the lucrative military and law enforcement sectors, has the potential to significantly boost revenues if successfully adopted.

However, investors should be cautious. Draganfly's financials show a net loss of $21.4 million for 2022, with revenues of just $7.6 million. The company will need substantial orders for the APEX to improve its financial position. The absence of specific pricing information in the announcement makes it challenging to project potential revenue impact.

Keep an eye on Draganfly's upcoming quarterly reports for indications of APEX's market traction and its effect on the company's bottom line. The success of this product could be important for Draganfly's path to profitability.

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer is proud to announce the launch of its newest product, the APEX Drone, designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of military and law enforcement surveillance operations.

The APEX UAV is a direct response to the increasing global demand for a compact, transportable version of the highly respected Commander 3XL. Incorporating feedback from military and law enforcement agencies, the APEX drone is a versatile and powerful solution that offers unmatched portability and modularity without sacrificing performance. Designed and Manufactured in North America, the APEX drone has been built to the high standards of government and military applications, making it an ideal choice for defence and law enforcement missions.

Engineered with up to 45 minutes of flight time and a payload capacity of 5 pounds, the APEX is equipped to handle a variety of mission-critical applications. Its quick-release, exchangeable payload system allows operators to adapt swiftly to changing operational needs. Optional upgrades to onboard computing and communications make the APEX platform a fit for a variety of current and future UAV operations. Available Nvidia onboard computing delivers cutting-edge AI performance to allow users to execute complex AI algorithms and real-time data processing directly on the drone. Additionally, a variety of communication link options are available that include interference-resistant COFDM and multi-channel capabilities, ensuring continuous control and reliable communication in RF-challenged environments.

The APEX drone will debut globally at the Land Forces Conference in Melbourne, Australia, from September 11-13, 2024, where it will be introduced to the Asia-Pacific defence industry. This premier event attracts military leaders, law enforcement, and industry experts, offering a prime platform for showcasing the APEX's capabilities and fostering connections among global defence leaders.

“The APEX represents a significant advancement in our drone technology, delivering a compact yet powerful solution that directly addresses the needs of our military and law enforcement partners,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “We are excited to showcase the APEX at the Land Forces Conference and are confident that it will set new standards for performance and reliability in the field.”

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

About Draganfly

Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8A) is a leading developer of cutting-edge drone solutions, software, and AI systems that revolutionize how organizations operate and serve their stakeholders. With over 25 years of industry experience, Draganfly is recognized as a technology leader, providing innovative solutions for public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying markets. Draganfly’s mission is to deliver efficient, first-class services that save time, money, and lives.

For more information on Draganfly, please visit www.draganfly.com.

For additional investor information, visit CSE, NASDAQ, or Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Media Contact

Erika Racicot
Email: media@draganfly.com

Company Contact

Email: info@draganfly.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking ‎‎‎‎information” as ‎‎‎‎defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information can ‎‎‎‎generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‎‎‎‎‎“may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, ‎‎‎‎‎“estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar ‎‎‎‎terminology. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information are based on forecasts of future ‎‎‎‎results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and ‎‎‎‎assumptions that, while believed by ‎‎‎‎management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant ‎‎‎‎business, economic and ‎‎‎‎competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎include, but are not ‎‎‎‎limited to, statements with respect to the assertion that the APEX drone can meet the demanding needs of military and law enforcement surveillance operations as well as that its quick-release, exchangeable payload system allows operators to adapt swiftly to changing operational needs. Forward-‎‎‎‎looking statements and information are subject to various ‎known ‎‎and unknown risks and ‎‎‎‎‎uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to ‎control or ‎‎predict, that ‎‎‎‎may cause ‎the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be ‎materially ‎‎different ‎‎‎‎from those ‎expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions ‎about ‎‎such ‎‎‎‎risks, uncertainties ‎and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the potential ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎impact of epidemics, ‎pandemics or other public health crises, including the ‎COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company’s business, operations and financial ‎‎‎‎condition; the ‎‎‎successful integration of ‎technology; the inherent risks involved in the general ‎‎‎‎securities markets; ‎‎‎uncertainties relating to the ‎availability and costs of financing needed in the ‎‎‎‎future; the inherent ‎‎‎uncertainty of cost estimates; the ‎potential for unexpected costs and ‎‎‎‎expenses, currency ‎‎‎fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; and liability, ‎competition, loss of key ‎‎‎‎employees and other related risks ‎‎‎and uncertainties disclosed under the ‎heading “Risk Factors“ ‎‎‎‎in the Company’s most recent filings filed ‎‎‎with securities regulators in Canada on ‎the SEDAR ‎‎‎‎website at www.sedar.com and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes ‎‎‎no obligation to update forward-‎looking ‎‎‎‎information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-‎‎‎looking information represents ‎‎‎‎‎managements’ best judgment based on information currently available. ‎‎‎No forward-looking ‎‎‎‎statement ‎can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. ‎‎‎Accordingly, readers ‎‎‎‎are advised not to ‎place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or ‎‎‎information.‎

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a12c07e-5343-4918-a550-a14997e1bee8

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4cc4b342-cd85-46f4-845f-0a5ca08580dc

FAQ

What are the key features of Draganfly's new APEX Drone (DPRO)?

Draganfly's APEX Drone (DPRO) features up to 45 minutes of flight time, 5-pound payload capacity, quick-release exchangeable payload system, optional Nvidia onboard computing for AI performance, and various communication link options including COFDM.

When and where will Draganfly (DPRO) debut its APEX Drone?

Draganfly (DPRO) will debut its APEX Drone at the Land Forces Conference in Melbourne, Australia, from September 11-13, 2024.

How does the APEX Drone differ from Draganfly's Commander 3XL?

The APEX Drone is a compact, transportable version of the Commander 3XL, designed specifically for military and law enforcement surveillance operations, offering improved portability and modularity.

What is the target market for Draganfly's APEX Drone (DPRO)?

The APEX Drone (DPRO) is primarily targeted at military and law enforcement agencies for surveillance operations and other mission-critical applications.