US-based AIRO Group has successfully completed the first domestic production run of its RQ-35 ISR drones at a facility in Phoenix, Arizona. The aircraft were manufactured to match the specifications of the Denmark-produced systems and have completed Phase 1 of AIRO’s production and validation program, demonstrating readiness for operational use.
The Phase 1 milestone included full assembly of the unmanned aircraft systems and a comprehensive series of flight tests, which concluded on December 11. Designed for operations in GPS-contested and electronic warfare-heavy environments, the RQ-35 provides long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities while reducing the burden on operators.
Company leaders from AIRO and Danish partner Sky-Watch underscored the importance of close transatlantic cooperation in maintaining consistent engineering and quality standards. The program also supports the RQ-35’s progression through the US Department of Defense’s Blue UAS certification process, a key step toward enabling streamlined procurement across US defense agencies.
Internationally, the RQ-35 ISR, commonly known as the RQ-35 Heidrun, continues to gain momentum with NATO and partner nations. Denmark and Germany have been among the leading users, with Berlin supplying the Ukrainian Armed Forces with multiple drone batches since 2023. In a further expansion of coalition support, the Netherlands announced in 2024 a €200 million joint order with Denmark and Germany to deliver additional RQ-35 Heidrun drones to Ukraine.
