TLDR: The U.S. Air Force has awarded Skydio, a leading U.S.-based drone manufacturer, initial multi-million dollar contracts to deploy advanced autonomous drone systems. These systems, including the Skydio X10D, will enhance mission-critical capabilities for Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, improving situational awareness, communication, and operational efficiency through AI-powered autonomous flight technology.
SAN MATEO, Calif. – November 13, 2025 – Skydio, a prominent U.S.-based drone manufacturer and a global leader in autonomous flight technology, has announced the award of two initial multi-million dollar contracts by the U.S. Air Force (USAF). These contracts, secured in partnership with ADS, a key provider of solutions for the U.S. Military, aim to significantly expand the deployment of Skydio’s advanced autonomous systems across various operational units within the USAF.
The initiative is set to bolster the capabilities of Air Combat Command (ACC) Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units. This move aligns with the Air Force’s broader strategy to integrate uncrewed systems into every Airman’s toolkit, fundamentally reimagining the Airman identity by extending capability, situational awareness, and mission efficiency at all levels.
For TACP Airmen, the Skydio systems, notably the Skydio X10D, will play a crucial role in characterizing enemy order of battle, providing enhanced situational awareness, serving as vital communications relays, and facilitating near-peer engagements through integration with strategic platforms and weaponeering solutions.
In a parallel development, Skydio has been designated as the aerial robot of choice for USAF EOD units. These units will deploy Skydio systems for both routine garrison operations and critical contingency deployments, with plans for additional systems to be rolled out over the next 18 months. The Skydio X10D, which is part of the Blue UAS Cleared List, meets the rigorous cybersecurity and capability standards mandated by the Department of War.
Skydio’s autonomous drone technology is already a cornerstone of USAF operations, with Security Forces utilizing their systems daily for Base Defense and Installation Security. Beyond security, the technology is also being applied to aircraft inspection modernization, exemplified by the 60th Maintenance Group at Travis Air Force Base, which pioneered the Air Force’s first drone-based inspection.
The Skydio X10D boasts an unrivaled sensor package for its size, including a 48MP telephoto camera and a best-in-class Teledyne FLIR Boson+ thermal sensor capable of pinpointing temperature differences at each pixel. Its operational resilience is further enhanced by onboard AI and autonomy, ensuring performance in environments with contested RF and GPS denial. The system comes standard with built-in AI for visual navigation up to 300m altitude and advanced obstacle avoidance in every direction.
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These Air Force contracts expand Skydio’s growing portfolio of partnerships across all branches of the U.S. military, including its involvement in the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Tranche 2 program. The widespread adoption of Skydio’s technology, from special operations to conventional forces, underscores the operational trust earned by systems designed, assembled, and supported within the United States. Skydio also extends its support to 28 allied nations and over 3,500 public safety agencies, utilities, and enterprise customers globally. The company’s manufacturing facility in Hayward, California, stands as one of the largest drone manufacturing facilities outside of China.
