Skydio has received a $7.9-million contract from the US Army to supply its X10D small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) under the Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Tranche 2 initiative. The new award follows Skydio’s earlier involvement in Tranche 1 and extends the company’s role in delivering advanced, soldier-operated drones for tactical reconnaissance missions near combat zones.
Under the deal, Skydio will provide additional X10D drones, operator training, and support services. Production and assembly will take place in the company’s California facility, ensuring the systems are designed, manufactured, and supported domestically — a critical aspect of the Army’s modernization and industrial security strategy.
The X10D drone is optimized for frontline reconnaissance, capable of vertical takeoff and landing, and operating fully autonomously to scout terrain, detect threats, and relay high-resolution data in real time. It integrates a 48-megapixel telephoto camera and a Teledyne FLIR Boson+ thermal sensor, allowing detailed imaging and target detection in diverse environmental conditions. Its AI-powered navigation system supports multi-directional obstacle avoidance and GPS-independent flight for enhanced resilience against electronic jamming.
Designed with a modular, open-architecture framework, the X10D accommodates third-party payloads and controllers, enhancing mission versatility. Its built-in security features, including chip-level encryption, ensure the integrity of onboard data and firmware during field operations.
The US Army’s SRR program aims to establish a family of small, rugged drones to fill the operational gap between short-range micro-UAVs and extended-range aerial systems. Structured in progressive tranches, the initiative supports continued innovation and vendor participation. Other contributors, such as Red Cat, are also supplying alternative drone models for evaluation. In addition to procurement, SRR contracts encompass training, sustainment, and integration into the Army’s broader command-and-control infrastructure, reinforcing battlefield situational awareness and responsiveness.
