ZenaTech’s ZenaDrone Finalizes its Third Generation Design and “Production Model” of the ZenaDrone 1000 for US Defense and Commercial Markets
ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) has announced that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has finalized the third generation design of the ZenaDrone 1000 multifunction drone, which will serve as its "production model" for scaling up manufacturing. The new design features significant upgrades including a more powerful 100-volt propulsion system and an aerodynamic carbon fiber body that enables longer flight times, faster speed, and heavier lift capabilities.
ZenaDrone plans to manufacture at least ten drones monthly starting in Q1 2025 at its Sharjah, UAE facility. For US Department of Defense applications, production will take place in Phoenix, Arizona. The company's supply chain is fully NDAA compliant, and it's preparing to apply for Green UAS and Blue UAS certifications.
The ZenaDrone 1000 is a medium-sized autonomous VTOL quadcopter with eight rotors, capable of lifting up to forty kilos. It has already completed paid trials with both the US Air Force and US Navy for carrying critical cargo in the field. The global military drone market is estimated at US $14 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $47 billion by 2032.
ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) ha annunciato che la sua sussidiaria ZenaDrone ha completato il design di terza generazione del ZenaDrone 1000, un drone multifunzionale che servirà come 'modello di produzione' per aumentare la capacità di fabbricazione. Il nuovo design presenta aggiornamenti significativi, tra cui un sistema di propulsione da 100 volt più potente e un corpo aerodinamico in fibra di carbonio che consente tempi di volo più lunghi, velocità superiori e capacità di sollevamento maggiori.
ZenaDrone prevede di produrre almeno dieci droni al mese a partire dal primo trimestre del 2025 presso il suo stabilimento di Sharjah, negli Emirati Arabi Uniti. Per le applicazioni del Dipartimento della Difesa degli Stati Uniti, la produzione avverrà a Phoenix, Arizona. La catena di approvvigionamento dell'azienda è completamente conforme al NDAA e si sta preparando per richiedere le certificazioni Green UAS e Blue UAS.
Il ZenaDrone 1000 è un quadricottero VTOL autonomo di dimensioni medie con otto rotori, in grado di sollevare fino a quaranta chili. Ha già completato prove retribuite con l'Air Force e la Marina degli Stati Uniti per il trasporto di carichi critici sul campo. Il mercato globale dei droni militari è stimato a 14 miliardi di dollari nel 2023 e si prevede che raggiunga i 47 miliardi di dollari entro il 2032.
ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) ha anunciado que su subsidiaria ZenaDrone ha finalizado el diseño de tercera generación del ZenaDrone 1000, un dron multifuncional que servirá como su 'modelo de producción' para aumentar la fabricación. El nuevo diseño incluye mejoras significativas, como un sistema de propulsión más potente de 100 voltios y un cuerpo aerodinámico de fibra de carbono que permite tiempos de vuelo más largos, mayor velocidad y capacidades de carga más pesadas.
ZenaDrone planea fabricar al menos diez drones mensualmente a partir del primer trimestre de 2025 en su instalación en Sharjah, Emiratos Árabes Unidos. Para las aplicaciones del Departamento de Defensa de EE. UU., la producción se llevará a cabo en Phoenix, Arizona. La cadena de suministro de la empresa cumple totalmente con el NDAA y se está preparando para solicitar las certificaciones Green UAS y Blue UAS.
El ZenaDrone 1000 es un quadcopter VTOL autónomo de tamaño mediano con ocho rotores, capaz de levantar hasta cuarenta kilos. Ya ha completado pruebas pagadas con la Fuerza Aérea y la Marina de EE. UU. para el transporte de carga crítica en el campo. Se estima que el mercado global de drones militares alcanzará los 14 mil millones de dólares en 2023 y se proyecta que llegue a 47 mil millones de dólares para 2032.
제나텍, 주식회사 (Nasdaq: ZENA)는 자회사 제나드론이 제나드론 1000 다목적 드론의 3세대 디자인을 완료했다고 발표했습니다. 이 드론은 제조 확대를 위한 '생산 모델'로 사용될 것입니다. 새로운 디자인은 더 강력한 100볼트 추진 시스템과 더 긴 비행 시간, 더 빠른 속도, 더 무거운 하중 능력을 가능하게 하는 공기 역학적 탄소 섬유 본체 등 중요한 업그레이드를 특징으로 합니다.
제나드론은 2025년 1분기부터 아랍에미리트 샤르자에 있는 시설에서 매달 최소 10대의 드론을 생산할 계획입니다. 미국 국방부의 응용 분야를 위해 생산은 애리조나주 피닉스에서 이루어질 것입니다. 회사의 공급망은 NDAA를 완전히 준수하며, Green UAS 및 Blue UAS 인증을 신청할 준비를 하고 있습니다.
제나드론 1000은 8개의 로터를 가진 중형 자율 VTOL 쿼드콥터로, 최대 40kg까지 들어올릴 수 있습니다. 이 드론은 현장에서 중요한 화물을 운반하기 위해 미국 공군 및 해군과 함께 유료 시험을 완료했습니다. 2023년 글로벌 군용 드론 시장은 140억 달러로 추정되며, 2032년까지 470억 달러에 이를 것으로 예상됩니다.
ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) a annoncé que sa filiale ZenaDrone a finalisé le design de troisième génération du ZenaDrone 1000, un drone multifonction qui servira de 'modèle de production' pour augmenter la fabrication. Le nouveau design présente des améliorations significatives, notamment un système de propulsion de 100 volts plus puissant et un corps aérodynamique en fibre de carbone qui permet des temps de vol plus longs, des vitesses plus élevées et des capacités de charge plus lourdes.
ZenaDrone prévoit de fabriquer au moins dix drones par mois à partir du premier trimestre 2025 dans son établissement à Sharjah, Émirats Arabes Unis. Pour les applications du Département de la Défense des États-Unis, la production se fera à Phoenix, Arizona. La chaîne d'approvisionnement de l'entreprise est entièrement conforme au NDAA et elle se prépare à demander les certifications Green UAS et Blue UAS.
Le ZenaDrone 1000 est un quadricoptère VTOL autonome de taille moyenne avec huit rotors, capable de soulever jusqu'à quarante kilos. Il a déjà complété des essais rémunérés avec l'Armée de l'air et la Marine des États-Unis pour le transport de cargaisons critiques sur le terrain. Le marché mondial des drones militaires est estimé à 14 milliards de dollars en 2023 et devrait atteindre 47 milliards de dollars d'ici 2032.
ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) hat bekannt gegeben, dass ihre Tochtergesellschaft ZenaDrone das Design der dritten Generation des ZenaDrone 1000 Multifunktionsdrohne abgeschlossen hat, die als 'Produktionsmodell' zur Skalierung der Fertigung dienen wird. Das neue Design bietet bedeutende Verbesserungen, darunter ein leistungsstärkeres 100-Volt-Antriebssystem und einen aerodynamischen Karbonfaserkörper, der längere Flugzeiten, höhere Geschwindigkeiten und schwerere Tragfähigkeiten ermöglicht.
ZenaDrone plant, ab dem ersten Quartal 2025 monatlich mindestens zehn Drohnen in seiner Einrichtung in Sharjah, VAE, zu produzieren. Für Anwendungen des US-Verteidigungsministeriums wird die Produktion in Phoenix, Arizona, stattfinden. Die Lieferkette des Unternehmens ist vollständig NDAA-konform und bereitet sich darauf vor, die Green UAS- und Blue UAS-Zertifizierungen zu beantragen.
Die ZenaDrone 1000 ist ein mittelgroßer autonomer VTOL-Quadcopter mit acht Rotoren, der bis zu vierzig Kilogramm heben kann. Sie hat bereits bezahlte Tests mit der US-Luftwaffe und der US-Marine zur Beförderung kritischer Fracht im Feld abgeschlossen. Der globale Markt für Militärdrohnen wird im Jahr 2023 auf 14 Milliarden US-Dollar geschätzt und soll bis 2032 47 Milliarden US-Dollar erreichen.
- Finalized third generation design enables scaling up production
- Plans to manufacture 10+ drones monthly starting Q1 2025
- Improved drone capabilities: longer flight time, faster speed, heavier lift (up to 40kg)
- Completed paid trials with US Air Force and US Navy
- NDAA compliant supply chain
- Targeting $14B global military drone market (projected to reach $47B by 2032)
- Still in preparation phase for Green UAS and Blue UAS certifications
- Manufacturing divided between UAE and US locations may create logistical challenges
Insights
ZenaTech Finalizes Production-Ready Military Drone Design, Signaling Revenue Potential in $14B Market
ZenaTech's announcement of its finalized third-generation ZenaDrone 1000 design marks a critical transition from development to production phase, potentially accelerating the company's penetration of the $14 billion military drone market. The upgraded specifications - including a 100-volt propulsion system, aerodynamic carbon fiber construction, and 40kg payload capacity - address key military requirements for speed, endurance, and heavy-lift capabilities essential for battlefield logistics and intelligence operations.
The planned production capacity of ten units monthly represents a significant manufacturing commitment for a company of ZenaTech's size ($74M market cap). At competitive market pricing for medium-sized military drones (typically $200,000-$500,000 per unit), this production volume could generate $24-60M in annual revenue if fully sold - potentially transformative for ZenaTech's financial profile.
Previous paid trials with both the US Air Force and Navy for critical cargo transport demonstrate existing military interest, though investors should note the absence of announced production contracts or firm orders in this release. The defense procurement cycle typically involves extensive testing and certification processes before volume purchases.
The company's dual manufacturing strategy - UAE production for commercial markets and Phoenix assembly for DoD applications - reflects necessary compliance with increasingly stringent US defense procurement regulations. Pursuing Green UAS and Blue UAS certifications is strategically sound, as these designations are becoming prerequisites for selling to US government agencies concerned with cybersecurity and supply chain integrity.
While the announcement positions ZenaTech for growth in the defense sector, several execution challenges remain. The company must navigate complex defense procurement processes, secure necessary certifications, and demonstrate production reliability - all while competing against entrenched defense contractors with established relationships. The company's diversified approach targeting both defense and commercial applications (aerial surveys, crop spraying) provides some risk mitigation.
For investors, this milestone represents tangible progress toward commercialization in a high-margin sector, though revenue realization timelines remain uncertain pending certification completion and contract announcements. The drone division's success could significantly impact ZenaTech's valuation, potentially bringing greater attention to its broader portfolio of AI, SaaS, and quantum computing solutions.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) ("ZenaTech"), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has finalized its third generation design of the ZenaDrone 1000 multifunction drone that will be used as its “production model” for scaling up production.
It includes many upgrades from the second-generation design, including a more powerful 100-volt propulsion system and a more aerodynamic carbon fiber body enabling longer flight times, faster speed, and heavier lift capabilities to maximize use for US defense and commercial market requirements. The patented design and advancements of this drone will form the basis of the company’s “production model” drone. ZenaDrone plans to commence the manufacturing and assembly of at least ten of these drones per month starting in Q1 2025 at its manufacturing facility in Sharjah, UAE.
“Locking in the ZenaDrone 1000 third generation design specifications is a milestone that solidifies our design following extensive testing and customer input. We can now begin to scale up production with our fastest, largest, and most robust drone yet. For US defense applications, this translates to longer endurance, higher payload capacity, and a greater operational range than many competitive products. In commercial customer applications, this design also enables better reliability and performance, particularly for high-power tasks like aerial surveys and crop spraying,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.
The global military drone market is estimated to be a US
Medium-sized drones used for military defense applications require speed, power, and heavy-lift capabilities to enhance their effectiveness in field and logistical support. Speed is critical for evading enemies, conducting rapid resupply missions, and providing real-time intelligence. Power ensures they can operate in harsh environments, including high winds and adverse weather. Heavy-lift capabilities are essential for transporting critical supplies like ammunition, medical equipment, and food to frontline troops or moving large payloads of equipment over challenging terrain, including rivers and canyons.
The ZenaDrone 1000 is a medium-sized autonomous drone, in a VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) quadcopter design with eight rotors. It is designed for stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities currently up to forty kilos, incorporating innovative software technology, AI, interchangeable sensors, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for industrial and defense use.
ZenaDrone previously completed paid trials with both the US Air Force and the US Navy using its drones for carrying critical cargo — such as blood — in the field. ZenaDrone plans to manufacture and assemble its US Department of Defense (DoD) destined drones in Phoenix, Arizona.
The company previously announced that its supply chain is fully NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) compliant and that it plans to apply for Green UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) followed by Blue UAS certification and has begun preparing for this process. These are both approved supplier lists for drone companies that wish to sell to US DoD and a growing number of government and law enforcement departments that include strict cybersecurity and country of origin requirements including drone parts and components.
About ZenaTech
ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) is a technology company specializing in AI drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions for mission-critical business applications. Since 2017, the Company has leveraged its software development expertise and grown its drone design and manufacturing capabilities through ZenaDrone, to innovate and improve customer inspection, monitoring, safety, security, compliance, and surveying processes. With enterprise software customers using branded solutions in law enforcement, health, government, and industrial sectors, and drones being implemented in these plus agriculture, defense, and logistics sectors, ZenaTech’s portfolio of solutions helps drive exceptional operational efficiencies, accuracy, and cost savings. The Company operates through seven global offices in North America, Europe, Taiwan, and UAE, and is growing a DaaS business model and global partner network.
About ZenaDrone
ZenaDrone, a wholly owned subsidiary of ZenaTech, develops and manufactures autonomous business drone solutions that can incorporate machine learning software, AI, predictive modeling, Quantum Computing, and other software and hardware innovations. Created to revolutionize the hemp farming sector, its specialization has grown to multifunctional drone solutions for industrial surveillance, monitoring, inspection, tracking, process automation, and defense applications. Currently, the ZenaDrone 1000 drone is used for crop management applications in agriculture and critical field cargo applications in the defense sector, the IQ Nano indoor drone is used for inventory management in the warehouse and logistics sectors, and the IQ Square is an indoor/outdoor drone designed for land survey and inspections use in commercial and defense sectors.
Contacts for more information:
Company, Investors and Media:
Linda Montgomery
ZenaTech
312-241-1415
investors@zenatech.com
Investors:
Michael Mason
CORE IR
investors@zenatech.com
Safe Harbor
This press release and related comments by management of ZenaTech, Inc. include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws and applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This forward-looking information relates to future events or future performance of ZenaTech and reflects management’s expectations and projections regarding ZenaTech’s growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “aim”, “seek”, “is/are likely to”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this document includes, but is not limited to ZenaTech’s expectations regarding its revenue, expenses, production, operations, costs, cash flows, and future growth; expectations with respect to future production costs and capacity; ZenaTech's ability to deliver products to the market as currently contemplated, including its drone products including ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ Nano; ZenaTech’s anticipated cash needs and it’s needs for additional financing; ZenaTech’s intention to grow the business and its operations and execution risk; expectations with respect to future operations and costs; the volatility of stock prices and market conditions in the industries in which ZenaTech operates; political, economic, environmental, tax, security, and other risks associated with operating in emerging markets; regulatory risks; unfavorable publicity or consumer perception; difficulty in forecasting industry trends; the ability to hire key personnel; the competitive conditions of the industry and the competitive and business strategies of ZenaTech; ZenaTech’s expected business objectives for the next twelve months; ZenaTech’s ability to obtain additional funds through the sale of equity or debt commitments; investment capital and market share; the ability to complete any contemplated acquisitions; changes in the target markets; market uncertainty; ability to access additional capital, including through the listing of its securities in various jurisdictions; management of growth (plans and timing for expansion); patent infringement; litigation; applicable laws, regulations, and any amendments affecting the business of ZenaTech.
FAQ
What are the key upgrades in ZenaTech's third generation ZenaDrone 1000?
When will ZENA begin manufacturing its production model drones?
What military applications has the ZenaDrone 1000 been tested for?
What certifications is ZENA pursuing for its drones to sell to the US Department of Defense?
How large is the military drone market that ZENA is targeting?
What are the technical specifications of the ZenaDrone 1000 by ZENA?
