Draganfly, a Canadian drone manufacturer, has secured a contract to supply its Commander3 XL platform to a major branch of the US Department of Defense as part of ongoing modernization efforts.
The drone will be deployed in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles and will also support operational tasking, aligning with Washington’s shift toward flexible autonomous systems for battlefield use.
The Commander3 XL is a heavy-lift, rapid-deployment drone with a payload capacity of 22 pounds (10 kg). It supports various modular configurations, including optical and thermal cameras, LiDAR, and cargo tools. It flies at speeds up to 45 mph (72 km/h) and offers a flight time of up to 35 minutes unloaded.
A hybrid model powered by a Pegasus 70cc liquid-cooled engine extends operational endurance using gasoline or heavy fuels. Draganfly, based in Saskatchewan, is expanding its presence with a new facility in Tampa, Florida.
