ZenaDrone starts in-house PCB flight testing for Blue UAS push

ZenaTech's ZenaDrone has begun flight testing custom circuit boards built in-house and integrated into its drone platforms, a step toward NDAA-compliant Blue UAS certification. The move aims to strengthen supply chain control and position the company for U.S. defense procurement as restrictions on Chinese-made drones tighten.

Why it matters: - ZenaTech is trying to move deeper into the U.S. defense drone market by reducing reliance on third-party and Chinese suppliers. - Blue UAS certification is a key gate for procurement by the Defense Department and federal agencies. - In-house PCB design and testing could improve supply chain control, margins and speed to deployment.

What happened: - ZenaDrone began flight testing custom-designed printed circuit boards at its UAE manufacturing and testing facility. - The boards are being integrated into the ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ Nano platforms. - The boards are designed and manufactured by Spider Vision Sensors, ZenaTech's Taiwan-based subsidiary. - The company said the work advances its vertically integrated supply chain strategy for NDAA-compliant drone systems.

The details: - Spider Vision Sensors operates a 16,000-square-foot facility in Taiwan. - The facility also is manufacturing cameras, sensors and motors. - ZenaTech said Taiwan's electronics base supports high-precision manufacturing and reduces reliance on Chinese-made components. - Taiwan is not designated a covered foreign country under the NDAA, which makes Taiwan-made components eligible for NDAA-compliant and Blue UAS-eligible drone systems. - NDAA compliance restricts foreign-made electronics, including Chinese-sourced components, in defense equipment. - Blue UAS certification requires component-level traceability, including for PCBs. - ZenaDrone currently has four drones in the certification process.

Between the lines: - The company is positioning itself to benefit from federal restrictions that are pushing Chinese-made drones out of the market. - Management is betting that direct control over electronics will support a faster path to procurement and higher-volume defense contracts. - The strategy also reflects a broader shift toward vertically integrated, non-Chinese drone supply chains in defense procurement.

What's next: - ZenaTech said successful validation could extend across the ZenaDrone 1000, IQ series and counter-UAS products. - The company said it will provide further updates as it reaches additional flight validation milestones. - ZenaDrone will continue working through the Blue UAS certification process for its four drones.

The bottom line: - ZenaTech is using in-house electronics manufacturing to strengthen its bid for Blue UAS approval and capture demand created by new U.S. restrictions on Chinese drone technology. - CEO Shaun Passley said the company's control over cost, quality and timeline is central to the certification push and long-term shareholder value. - More information: the company's announcement