The US Army has granted Skydio a $7.9-million contract to deliver X10D small UAS under the Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Tranche 2 program, reinforcing the service’s commitment to field domestically built battlefield drones. Building on Tranche 1, the deal covers additional X10D systems, training, and sustainment for frontline units requiring organic reconnaissance. All units will be manufactured and supported in California, reflecting the Pentagon’s push for secure, US-sourced drone supply chains. The X10D combines vertical-takeoff capability, AI-assisted autonomous navigation, and full-spectrum imaging for situational awareness in contested environments. Its 48-megapixel telephoto and Teledyne FLIR Boson+ thermal sensor deliver high-resolution visual and infrared data, even under electronic-warfare conditions. Modular architecture supports plug-and-play mission payloads, third-party control devices, and encrypted data-link protection. Skydio’s AI stack allows real-time obstacle avoidance and GPS-denied navigation, aligning with SRR’s requirement for soldier-deployable autonomy. The SRR program aims to bridge capability gaps between micro-UAVs and long-range ISR systems. Besides Skydio, vendors such as Red Cat participate in parallel evaluations to ensure resilience and innovation in tactical reconnaissance.
