Orqa U.S. wins $38 million U.S. Department of Defense drone contract

Orqa U.S., a partnership between the Croatian company Orqa and the American firm By Light Professional IT Services LLC, has secured a $38 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. The contract was awarded through the ‘Drone Dominance Gauntlet II’ program, which focuses on unmanned aerial systems designed for indoor operations.

Orqa U.S. was one of nine global participants in the competition, ultimately securing second place. The selected technology is part of the MRM2 product package, featuring a 20-centimeter diameter drone and a ground-based control system.

Production will take place at the By Light facility in Port Orange, Florida. The funds from this contract are intended to expand U.S.-based manufacturing capacities to facilitate large-scale deliveries to the American government. While Orqa provides the drone technology, By Light will manage manufacturing and regulatory compliance.