AIRO Group Holdings is set to showcase its cutting-edge defence technologies at Modern Warfare Week, hosted by the Global SOF Foundation in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The event, which brings together military professionals, innovators, and strategic partners, will serve as a platform for AIRO to highlight its RQ-35 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) drone—a system designed for combat adaptability, real-time target acquisition, and seamless battlefield integration.
The RQ-35, developed by Sky-Watch and Coastal Defense—two of AIRO’s specialist brands—is engineered for autonomy and resilience, particularly in GNSS/GPS-denied environments. This capability is critical in modern warfare, where electronic warfare and cyber threats can disrupt traditional navigation systems. The drone’s ability to operate autonomously enables persistent aerial surveillance and communication without requiring constant user input, a feature that enhances operational efficiency and reduces risk to personnel.
“Sky-Watch has spent years refining ISR systems in close partnership with frontline operators,” said Martin Schousboe, CEO of Sky-Watch. “The RQ-35 reflects that legacy—built for resilience, autonomy, and mission success in the world’s most challenging environments. With AIRO replicating our manufacturing capabilities in Phoenix, we’re ensuring that U.S. forces have direct access to the same trusted technology, backed by a secure and scalable domestic supply chain.”
The RQ-35 has already proven its mettle in real-world operations, with over 500 missions successfully completed by each system and tens of thousands of operational sorties flown. It is trusted by NATO allies and is actively deployed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, demonstrating its reliability in contested and degraded environments. This track record underscores the drone’s effectiveness in supporting military operations where precision and adaptability are paramount.
At Modern Warfare Week, AIRO will lead live demonstrations featuring the RQ-35, with product experts and operational veterans showcasing its combat-tested features. Attendees will engage in mission planning discussions and review operational insights from current deployments and advanced training scenarios. These sessions will provide a deeper understanding of how the RQ-35 enhances situational awareness and decision-making in dynamic battlefield conditions.
“It’s an honor to bring together two of AIRO’s most distinguished brands—Sky-Watch and Coastal Defense—at Modern Warfare Week,” said Captain Joe Burns, CEO of AIRO. “This event highlights how our integrated approach delivers more than just technology—it delivers mission-ready solutions shaped by real-world experience and operational insight. At the center of this capability is Sky-Watch, whose leadership in autonomous ISR continues to set the global standard. Combined with our U.S.-based manufacturing and certification expertise, AIRO is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of U.S. and allied forces. Our commitment to U.S. defense readiness is further underscored by our dedicated manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona, being established to produce RQ-35 and other drone solutions and electronics for U.S. clients—ensuring domestic production, rapid delivery, and supply chain resilience.”
AIRO’s expansion into U.S.-based manufacturing is a strategic move to bolster defence readiness and supply chain resilience. The company’s new facility in Phoenix, Arizona, will produce RQ-35 drones and other advanced drone solutions, ensuring rapid delivery and domestic production capabilities. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the U.S. defence industrial base and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers.
Chirinjeev Kathuria, Executive Chairman of AIRO, emphasised the company’s broader vision: “AIRO was founded to unify best-in-class capabilities across aerospace, autonomy, and defense—and that strategy is delivering real results. In addition to our core ISR platforms, we’re expanding our drone ecosystem with loitering munitions and high-speed interceptor drones through previously announced letters of intent to form joint ventures with Nord Drone and Bullet. These initiatives strengthen and broaden our ability to deliver a full-spectrum solution. Modern Warfare Week provides the ideal stage to showcase how these advancements, combined with our integrated platform, are shaping the future of integrated drone solutions and strengthening defense readiness for U.S. and allied forces.”
AIRO’s participation in Modern Warfare Week underscores its growing role in supporting mission-ready capabilities through integrated drone systems. The event offers a unique opportunity for the company to engage with military professionals, innovators, and strategic partners, fostering collaboration and innovation in the defence sector. As AIRO continues to expand its product line and manufacturing capabilities, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of defence technology and operational readiness.