AIRO Group Holdings has received its first US government order for its RQ-35 and RQ-70 unmanned aircraft systems, marking a key step in its push into the US defense market.
The order comes from a US government customer and covers both platforms for a specific mission requirement, although the company did not disclose the customer or the number of aircraft involved.
The sale follows the RQ-35’s addition to the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Blue UAS List in July 2026, clearing the aircraft for procurement by US government agencies.
“We have tremendous confidence in our technology, our design and our manufacturing, and this order demonstrates it,” AIRO CEO Joe Burns said.
“US government buyers hold drone suppliers to some of the most rigorous security and supply chain standards anywhere. The RQ-35 cleared that bar, and this first order is the proof.”
AIRO Expands Its Military Drone Portfolio
The RQ-35 has established a record of use with NATO and allied forces, while the RQ-70 is designed to meet demand for longer-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and greater endurance.
Together, the two platforms expand AIRO’s ability to support different defense missions and serve customers across the US, NATO, and allied markets.
“Many drone companies start in the US and work to prove themselves abroad. AIRO did the reverse,” said Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, executive chairman of AIRO.
“The RQ-35 earned its reputation with allied forces in real operations before it reached a US customer. That gives AIRO a position across US, NATO, and allied markets that we intend to build on.”