Dedrone posts 300% surge in drone detection, counter-UAV activity

Leading counter-UAV tech company, Dedrone, has announced a huge surge in 2023 results with an over 300% increase in revenues, fueled by what it said were 16 new government contracts signed over the past year.

Virginia-based Dedrone did not reveal full financial figures for 2023, but said revenue had increased by more than threefold based on expanded activity with enterprise, public, and particularly military clients. Among those were deals closed with agencies from 16 international governments. It also continued its work with Ukraine, which has used Dedrone counter-UAV detect, identify, control, and mitigation tech since mid-2022.

Indeed, the innovative and very effective repurposing and deployment of consumer, enterprise, and specially constructed drones by Ukraine over the past two years has had a direct effect on Dedrone’s activity. Replication and rapid inclusion of those craft in the procurement and planning work of militaries around the world as in turn made counter-UAV systems like those developed by Dedrone critical, often urgently needed assets for detection and defense of small vehicles flown by enemy forces.

That double-sided coin of spreading drone use and counter-UAV defensive was a large driver of the contracts Dedrone concluded with international armed forces. Those included expanding ties with the US Department of Defense, particularly through what the company described as “conduct specialized contract work.” The growing aerial trend also moved the firm to become a member of the Global Special Operations Forces, a foundation connecting public and private stakeholders in special op activities worldwide. 

With the accelerating use of both drone and counter-UAV tech by militaries set to continue gaining speed, Dedrone has also established its Defense Advisory Board. The panel is made up of former US Army, Marine, and Special Forces brass, including General Richard D. Clarke, who came aboard to assist both Dedrone and its clients better prepare for the security changes that are developing far faster than anyone expected.

“As we’ve seen recently in conflicts in Ukraine and in the Middle East, the threat of drones is real, and it is here to stay,” Clarke said. “The need to quickly respond to changing capabilities and developments requires nations around the world to look for partners capable of handling the rapid pace of innovation. Dedrone has recently shown that capability with its tremendous work in Ukraine, and I am honored to join its Defense Advisory Board to offer my insights into how best to ensure these needed capabilities get into the hands of our warfighters, allies and partners.”

The spreading activity has now taken Dedrone into 32 international markets, where its counter-UAV systems are now used by five of the G-7 nation governments. It says its anti-drone platforms are currently used to defend over 810 sites worldwide, including more than 46 airports, 60 stadiums, 14 US federal entities, and 20 non-US government interests.