Red Cat wins U.S. Army contract for next-generation reconnaissance drones

The selection was finalised after extensive testing and evaluations conducted by key Army entities, including the Project Management Office for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Army Maneuver Battle Lab, Army Test and Evaluation Command, and Army Operational Test Center. Red Cat’s Teal next-generation system was chosen for its exceptional performance in areas such as soldier feedback, technical capability, cost, and scalability for high-volume production.

“This is a powerful moment in time, coming after five years of blood, sweat, and tears put into SRR by our incredible team,” said George Matus, founder of Teal and Chief Technology Officer at Red Cat. “The long-awaited production selection marks a new era for our company and the future of American drones. Our top priority now is to start ramping production of the next generation system, recently announced as the Black Widow and WEB, and give warfighters the tools they need to be successful on the modern battlefield.”

The Black Widow drone is a cornerstone of Red Cat’s offering, reflecting the growing importance of drones in modern warfare. “Warfare has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two years, with a significant shift towards drone technology,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “It is an honour to support the U.S. Army by delivering the Black Widow to our warfighters. We believe this advanced technology will enable the Army to shape the battlefield, save soldiers’ lives, and serve as a powerful tool in their arsenal.”

Retired Four-Star Army General and Red Cat board member, Paul Edward Funk II, emphasised the strategic role of sUAS in modern combat. “Operational success today depends on the ability to seamlessly move data across the battlefield,” he noted. “From a tactical perspective, small unmanned aerial systems that are rucksack portable are playing a vital role in Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance, as well as surgical strike capabilities based on the real-time needs of the warfighter.”

The contract positions Red Cat to produce up to 5,880 systems over a five-year period, with potential adjustments based on Army needs. The company is also preparing to address increased demand from other U.S. Department of Defense branches, federal agencies, and allied nations. Recent initiatives, such as the acquisition of FlightWave Aerospace, the launch of the ARACHNID™ systems, and the Red Cat Futures Initiative, further highlight its commitment to advancing drone technology and meeting global military requirements.