Pentagon orders Canadian drones

Canadian unmanned aerial systems developer DRAGANFLY has secured a contract to provide its Commander3 XL platform for a major US Department of Defense branch. The Commander3 XL will support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with added tasking capabilities, advancing the American military’s push to deploy flexible autonomous systems in combat.

The Commander3 XL, built for rapid deployment and heavy-lift operations, has a payload capacity of 22 pounds (10 kilograms). It can reach speeds of up to 45 miles (72 kilometers) per hour and can remain airborne for around 35 minutes unloaded, or roughly 20 minutes when carrying maximum payload. Its modular design allows operators to equip it with a wide range of tools, including optical and thermal cameras, LiDAR systems, and cargo delivery modules, and it features foldable arms and a transport-ready frame for easy deployment. Built tough for challenging environments, it can even launch and fly in conditions of light rain and snow.

DRAGANFLY is headquartered in Saskatchewan, Canada and has recently announced the construction of a facility in Tampa, Florida, to expand its support for North American defense and security partners.