Second Skydio drone to achieve highest DOD clearance for security and reliability

SAN MATEO, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — May 30, 2024 — Skydio, the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight, today announced that Skydio X10D has been added to the U.S. Department of Defense's (DOD) Blue sUAS (small uncrewed aerial systems) Cleared List. This designation by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) recognizes Skydio X10D for its adherence to rigorous security standards and its capability to enhance operational effectiveness across various defense scenarios. With X10D on the Blue UAS list, procurement for government and defense entities is simplified and accelerated.

The DIU’s Blue UAS Cleared List underscores products that align with the U.S. government's stringent security and performance standards, ensuring that U.S. armed forces have access to the best technology without compromising operational security. The inclusion of X10D on this list validates DOD’s trust in Skydio's technology and gives agencies the Authority to Operate (ATO) the product.

“As the largest manufacturer of small drones in the United States, serving every branch of the U.S. military, the Blue UAS Cleared List is a critical distinction for Skydio X10D,” said Mark Valentine, President of Global Government at Skydio. “This represents an important step forward in providing secure, autonomous uncrewed aerial systems to more U.S. defense operations. "As the only domestic company producing dual-use drones at scale for both the enterprise and defense sectors, Skydio is proud to get the X10D into the hands of our service members, providing a critical combat capability in a time of growing global threats.”

Skydio X10D is the second generation of Skydio aircraft to qualify for the Blue UAS list, following Skydio X2D, demonstrating Skydio’s history of satisfying stringent cybersecurity requirements.

X10D builds on the technology foundation and customer experience generated by Skydio X2D, which serves as a core backbone of drone fleets for each of the major U.S. service branches and dozens of international ministries of defense. Skydio X10D meets or exceeds the rigorous requirements for defense applications. Providing all-domain, attritable autonomy through its computer vision platform, X10D is a critical tool for enhancing operational effectiveness and situational awareness across a variety of defense scenarios.

The Most Powerful sUAS for Night Operations

An optimal choice for stealth reconnaissance, X10D’s 48MP telephoto camera is capable of identifying a subject or vehicle from 800 feet away. It is the first drone to feature the Teledyne FLIR Boson+ sensor, the small drone industry’s most precise radiometric thermal camera, which has been tuned perfectly for ISR use day or night. With ATAK integration, RAS-A compliance and a compact, modular airframe, the X10D is integrated in systems that matter and is adaptable for any mission.

X10D also features Skydio NightSense, the world’s only onboard AI that supports autonomous flight in low- or no-light environments. NightSense allows operators to confidently fly at night, avoiding obstacles even in complete darkness. And with Blackout Mode, X10D’s lights are all turned off, ensuring it cannot be seen with the naked eye in the cover of night. With its powerful thermal camera, NightSense autonomous flight and Blackout Mode, Skydio X10 is the most capable Group 1 UAS for tactical night operations.

Skydio X10D is available for purchase through the General Services Administration (GSA) and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) schedules, further streamlining procurement processes for government and defense entities.

To learn more about the selection criteria and the strategic advantage these technologies bring to the field, please visit DIU's Blue UAS page.

For more information on Skydio X10D’s full capabilities and how it can integrate into defense operations, please visit: https://www.skydio.com/x10d

About Skydio

Skydio’s mission is to make the world more productive, creative, and safe with autonomous flight. AI and computer vision are foundational to our products, allowing drones to fly autonomously and automatically capture and process data. Skydio drones help public safety agencies, federal government and private companies serve their communities more safely and effectively by providing real-time access to information captured with high powered cameras mounted on smart flying robots. Our drones support thousands of organizations, including every branch of the U.S. military and hundreds of public safety agencies across every U.S. state.

Founded in 2014, Skydio designs, assembles, and supports its products in the U.S., with headquarters in San Mateo, CA, and manufacturing facilities in Hayward, CA. The company is backed by top investors and strategic partners, including Andreessen Horowitz, Linse Capital, Next47, IVP, Playground, and NVIDIA. For more information, please visit: https://www.skydio.com/

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Lauren Ames
skydio@aircoverpr.com