Skydio Delivers X10D Drones to U.S. Army A New Era in Battlefield Reconnaissance

In a significant leap for U.S. military drone capabilities, Skydio has delivered the first batch of its advanced X10D small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to the U.S. Army under the Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Tranche 2 program. This delivery marks a major milestone, making the Skydio X10D the only drone system delivered under Tranche 2 so far, underscoring its technological edge and rapid readiness.

The Army needed these drones urgently—and Skydio delivered. “When the Army contracted Skydio to fill this urgent need, we shipped systems within 5 days, ensuring soldiers had this critical equipment before their deployment,” said Adam Bry, cofounder and CEO of Skydio. This swift response highlights how crucial real-time drone support is becoming in today’s fast-moving combat environments.

Designed for the Frontline

The Skydio X10D is not just another drone—it’s a next-generation military tool built to operate in some of the world’s toughest conditions. It features:

• A 48-megapixel telephoto camera for capturing high-resolution images from a distance.

• An advanced Teledyne FLIR Boson+ thermal sensor, offering accurate heat detection—vital for locating humans, machinery, or hidden threats.

• Autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance, enabling it to fly safely even in complex environments like forests or urban areas.

• Built-in resistance to electronic warfare, ensuring the drone stays functional even in GPS-denied or jammed situations.

• Modular design for attaching third-party sensors or mission-specific payloads.

• IP55 weather resistance, allowing operations in rain, dust, and extreme conditions.

Made in America, Built for Scale

What sets Skydio apart is its entirely domestic production. The company’s manufacturing facility in Hayward, California is one of the largest drone plants outside China. Skydio recently celebrated the production of its 55,000th drone, with the X10 and X10D models now assembled in just nine minutes, showcasing a highly efficient manufacturing pipeline.

With a current capacity of producing over 1,000 drones per month, Skydio is not only meeting current demands but is also ready to rapidly scale for future operations. “Increasing our production readiness acts as a deterrent by delivering vital capabilities quickly,” Bry said, stressing the importance of being combat-ready at all times.

Why This Matters

The X10D’s early delivery and advanced capabilities directly enhance the Army's ability to perform short-range reconnaissance missions—like scouting terrain, locating enemy positions, or planning safe routes—in real time without risking soldiers’ lives. In modern warfare, having such autonomous eyes in the sky can be a game-changer.

This delivery is more than a supply milestone—it’s a clear sign that U.S.-made drone technology is maturing fast and is ready to meet the ever-evolving challenges on the battlefield.