Iván Hernández Dalas: PDW raises over $110M for its drone-based defense systems

A PDW drone flying with an operator behind it.

PDW’s portfolio includes drones, mission-planning software, its Range Extension Kit, and an anti-jam radio. | Source: PDW

PDW Holdings Inc., or Performance Drone Works, a developer of drones for defense and public safety, last week brought in a Series B round of more than $110 million. The company said it plans to use the funding to ramp up production of its multi-mission drones, among other strategic programs.

“PDW designs and manufactures at the scale and speed required to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving battlefield,” stated James Slider, CEO of Performance Drone Works. “Mission-ready small UAS technology is a national security imperative. Our adversaries have proven what’s possible when drone technology is engineered, manufactured, and deployed at scale.”

“The United States cannot afford to fall behind or rely on foreign supply chains,” he added. “We are investing in expanded production capacity and a U.S.-anchored supply chain to ensure resilient, domestically built systems delivered at the highest level.”

PDW develops and mass-produces robotic systems and software that deliver advanced surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike capabilities for the U.S. and its allies. The Huntsville, Ala.-based company emerged from the Drone Racing League and supports contracts with every branch of the U.S. military, as well as federal, local, and international public safety entities.

PDW portfolio includes three security drones

Performance Drone Works’ portfolio includes the C100 quadcopter, the SIM flight simulator, CORE mission planning software, Multi-Mission Payloads (MMP), its Range Extension Kit, and an anti-jam radio. The company offers three different uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) systems: the C100 Defense, C100 Public Safety, and the AM Defense.

With a 10 lb. (4.5 kg) payload and a maximum speed of 40 mph (64.3 kph), the C100 Defense can navigate, identify, and execute missions. PDW described it as a “force multiplier” and has tested the drone in real-world extremes. The drone is IP54-compliant.

The C100 Public Safety has similar specifications to the C100 Defense but is geared toward first responders.

The AM Defense, on the other hand, has a maximum payload of 5 lb. (2.2 kg). This is an NDAA-compliant attritable platform that PDW said it built for real-world deployment. PDW offers swappable 5, 7, and 10-in. (12.7, 17.7, and 25.4 cm) configurations and a universal interface.

Last year, PDW took a step forward in mass-producing its drones by opening its Drone Factory 01. The 90,000-sq.-ft. (8,361.2 sq. m) facility in Huntsville increased the company’s manufacturing capacity. At the facility, PDW can produce 350 C100s and 5,000 AM-FPVs per month.

Ondas continues defense drone expansion

Ondas Inc. led PDW’s round. It included participation from Hood River, Cedar Pine, Hanwha Asset Management’s venture fund, Booz Allen Hamilton, and existing and new investors.

“PDW isn’t just building better drones, but a domestic production base to meet our nation’s growing demand,” said Eric Brock, chairman and CEO of Ondas. “Their proven technology in real-world environments, growing manufacturing capabilities, and unwavering commitment to mission performance are raising the bar for industry expectations, and we’re proud to work alongside them.”

This month alone, Ondas obtained about $41.8 million in orders and defense contracts. The company also invested $10 million in and then acquired World View, with which it partnered with Palantir.

In addition, Ondas acquired BIRD Aerosystems, Rotron Aerospace, and INDO Earth Moving and merged with Mistral. It had raised $217 million in September, reported 2025 revenue of $50.7 million, and closed a $1 billion offering in January 2026. Ondas has partnered with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen to offer its systems in Germany and Ukraine.

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