Draganfly Inc. has signed a collaborative framework agreement with Babcock International Group and Critical Infrastructure Technologies Corp. (CiTech) to jointly explore defense and security opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership aims to leverage the companies’ combined expertise in unmanned systems, mission-critical engineering, and digital architectures to address regional security challenges.
The collaboration brings together Babcock’s deep defense engineering experience, CiTech’s advanced digital security systems, and Draganfly’s rapid-response Commander 3XL drones. The three companies will evaluate initiatives supporting defense modernization, maritime and border security, disaster response, and critical infrastructure protection.
Cameron Chell, Chief Executive Officer of Draganfly, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “By aligning our proven aerial systems with the established capabilities of Babcock and CiTech, we see significant opportunity to contribute to long-term defense modernization programs that require interoperable, high-assurance technologies. The demand for resilient, sovereign mission capabilities across the region continues to grow, and Draganfly is well positioned to support that evolution with dependable, mission-ready solutions.”
Babcock’s expertise spans fleet management, naval support, training, and defense program delivery for governments and allied militaries worldwide. CiTech, through its subsidiary, offers advanced digital mission systems, integrated sensor platforms, and technologies for national security. Draganfly’s Commander 3XL drones provide rapid response and aerial intelligence, making them a critical component of the collaboration.
The partnership comes on the heels of Draganfly’s recent success in securing two separate orders for its Commander 3XL UAM. In one instance, the company was part of the first phase of a formal evaluation program to expand drone use across military missions. Additionally, Draganfly received a purchase order from a Fortune 50 telecommunications provider to supply Commander 3XL units for emergency response and post-disaster communications.
Draganfly’s stock (DPRO) climbed 3% higher on Monday following the announcement of the collaborative framework. The company’s stock has seen significant gains, with a year-to-date increase of around 90%, reflecting strong retail investor interest. Retail sentiment for DPRO on Stocktwits shifted from ‘bearish’ to ‘neutral’ in the wake of the news, with some users predicting the stock could reach $10 by the end of the year.
This strategic collaboration underscores the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems in modern defense and security operations. By combining their strengths, Draganfly, Babcock, and CiTech are poised to make a substantial impact on defense modernization and security initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.