The Kansas-based drone developer AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc (NYSEAMERICAN: UAVS) flew Monday after revealing that it had been mingling with key industry officials at Donald Trump’s 2025 home. Shares of the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) company are up by over 34 per cent.
Representatives from the American National Security Council and National Economic Council attended the recent White House meeting. Other influential figures and stakeholders from the UAS industry were there too.
Key topics included supply chain sustainability, production specifications, and policies on aerial navigation beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) in American airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary regulatory body enforcing BVLOS rules. UAS operating out of the user’s field of view must be equipped with sensors that can detect other aircraft and obstacles. Pilots must submit detailed risk assessments to the agency.
“This dialogue is an important step toward fostering collaboration between the private sector and government,” chief executive Bill Irby said in AgEagle’s press release, “ensuring that we harness and scale the benefits of this technology in the most effective and responsible manner.”
The news follows AgEagle securing 17 purchase orders for its eBee TAC drones from “U.S. defence and security customers.” They will be delivered by month-end.
These tactical mapping reconnaissance drones, designed and built in Switzerland, can fly for up to an hour and a half on one charge. The British Army, the Land Army of France, the Royal Danish Army and others have utilized the aerial devices.
AgEagle closed a US$6.5-million-dollar public offering at the beginning of October to fund its activities.
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Mining companies use AgEagle’s equipment too
Major operators like Barrick Gold Corp (NYSE: GOLD), BHP Group Ltd (NYSE: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (OTCMKTS: RTNTF) have utilized the aerial tech company’s drones to inspect various properties. They will provide accurate 3D models of terrain and thermal mapping data.
Drones have become a common sight in the airspace above mining operations throughout the globe. AgEagle’s eBee X model can map up to 1,235 acres in one flight.
AgEagle eBee X drone flies over an open pit mine in the Dominican Republic. Photo credit: AgEagle Aerial Systems
According to Delaware’s research firm Global Market Insights, the international commercial drone market is set to expand with a significant compound annual growth rate of 15 per cent between now and 2032. It will be valued at approximately US$125 billion by that time.
rowan@mugglehead.com
