Skydio, the leading U.S. drone manufacturer, in partnership with ADS, has announced two multi-million dollar contract awards with the U.S. Air Force. These contracts expand the deployment of Skydio systems across multiple operational units, including Air Combat Command’s Tactical Air Control Party and Explosive Ordnance Disposal units. This initiative is a key part of the Air Force’s broader effort to integrate uncrewed systems into the standard toolkit for every Airman, enhancing mission capabilities and operational effectiveness.
For TACP Airmen, Skydio systems will be critical for characterizing enemy order of battle, enhancing situational awareness, and acting as communications relays. In a parallel effort, Skydio has been selected as the aerial robot of choice for USAF EOD units for both garrison operations and contingency deployments. The technology is already proving its value daily with USAF Security Forces for Base Defense and Installation Security. Beyond security, Skydio drones are revolutionizing operations like aircraft inspection; the 60th Maintenance Group at Travis Air Force Base pioneered a drone-based inspection program that reduced C-17 inspection times by over 90 percent.
The flagship Skydio X10D delivers exceptional operational performance with a powerful sensor package, including a 48MP telephoto camera and a best-in-class Teledyne FLIR Boson+ thermal sensor. It is designed for operational resiliency in contested RF and GPS-denied environments, leveraging onboard AI and advanced obstacle avoidance. Its proprietary navigation model allows for reliable operation and return-to-home in zero-GPS conditions. As a modular, open platform, the X10D supports custom third-party attachments and features powerful, full-stack security from the chipset up. Its IP55 rating ensures all-weather operation capability. Crucially, the X10D is part of the Blue UAS Cleared List, meeting the stringent cybersecurity requirements demanded by the Department of Defense.
These Air Force awards build on Skydio’s growing partnerships across all branches of the U.S. military, including the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance program. The breadth of adoption reflects the operational trust in systems designed, assembled, and supported in the United States. Skydio also supports 28 allied nations and over 3,500 public safety, utility, and enterprise customers globally from its major manufacturing facility in Hayward, CA.
