UAV & Drones
Deloitte Invests in Kihomac to Expand US Domestic Drone Manufacturing
Deloitte partners with Kihomac to scale US drone production, ensuring secure supply chains and job creation in aerospace manufacturing.
Deloitte Backs Kihomac to Boost US Drones Manufacturing
In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing America’s technological sovereignty, Deloitte US has announced a significant investment in Kihomac, a veteran-owned aerospace and defense manufacturer. This partnership is not just a financial transaction; it’s a calculated effort to scale up the domestic production of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. The collaboration signals a clear intent to address the growing demand from both government and commercial sectors for secure, reliable, and American-made drone technology.
The significance of this alliance extends beyond corporate boardrooms. It directly confronts the critical issue of supply chain security for technologies vital to national and economic interests. By combining Deloitte’s deep expertise in software, systems integration, and consulting with Kihomac’s advanced manufacturing prowess, the partnership aims to create a robust, end-to-end solution for drone production on US soil. This initiative is poised to generate skilled manufacturing jobs and fortify the national industrial base against geopolitical uncertainties.
A Strategic Alliance Forged for American Skies
The core of this partnership lies in a powerful synergy. Deloitte brings to the table years of experience in helping organizations develop drone strategies, manage complex data systems, and integrate cutting-edge technology into their operations. Kihomac, on the other hand, provides the physical infrastructure and Manufacturing expertise necessary to turn those strategies into tangible, high-performance hardware. The immediate focus of their joint effort will be on producing medium-sized (group 2) drones, a versatile class of UAS suitable for a wide range of applications, including infrastructure inspection, emergency response, and defense operations.
This collaboration is a direct response to a recognized need for a more resilient domestic supply chain. In an era where critical technologies are often sourced globally, establishing a secure, national manufacturing capability for drones is a matter of strategic importance. The Investments will empower Kihomac to expand its production facilities in Utah and Georgia, laying the groundwork for mass production tailored to meet the stringent requirements of U.S. government agencies and commercial enterprises.
The leadership from both organizations has emphasized the national-level impact of their venture. It’s about more than just building drones; it’s about building a self-sufficient ecosystem for a technology that is becoming increasingly integral to modern society. By localizing production, the partnership not only ensures a secure supply but also stimulates local economies and fosters a new generation of American manufacturing talent.
“Deloitte is investing directly in Kihomac to help build American production capacity for technologies that are critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. This approach creates a tangible impact in terms of creating manufacturing jobs for American workers and an expanded and secure supply chain for U.S. customers.”, Oniel Cross, Deloitte’s Government and Public Services hybrid cloud and edge infrastructure leader.
Profiling the Power Players
Deloitte’s Evolution from Advisor to Investor
Deloitte’s investment in Kihomac represents a significant evolution in its role within the technology landscape. The firm is no stranger to the drone industry, having launched its “Global Drone Solutions” service back in 2018. Through this practice, Deloitte has established itself as a key advisor, guiding clients in sectors like government, healthcare, and energy on how to adopt and accelerate the use of drone technology while managing associated risks.
Historically, Deloitte’s involvement has centered on strategy, data integration, and operational consulting. This latest move, however, marks a decisive step from the advisory column into direct participation in the manufacturing supply chain. It reflects a broader trend where professional services firms are leveraging their industry insights to make strategic investments, becoming active stakeholders in the development and production of critical technologies.
This transition underscores Deloitte’s confidence in the future of the domestic UAS market and its commitment to playing a more foundational role in its growth. By investing capital and expertise into a manufacturing partner, Deloitte is not just predicting the future of American drones; it is actively helping to build it.
Kihomac: A Veteran-Owned Manufacturing Force
Founded in 2003 by Ki Ho Kang, Kihomac stands as a testament to veteran-owned entrepreneurship in the high-stakes world of aerospace and defense. The Reston, VA-based company has carved out a niche for itself by providing sophisticated engineering and manufacturing solutions for complex military and C2ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems.
Kihomac’s capabilities are extensive, covering the development, manufacturing, and installation of major modification programs for weapon systems. The company operates across approximately 200,000 square feet of facilities, including a state-of-the-art 142,000 square foot Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) in Layton, Utah. Its product portfolio is diverse, ranging from aerial pods and wire harnesses to mission planning software, showcasing a deep well of technical expertise.
The investment from Deloitte provides the fuel to accelerate Kihomac’s growth trajectory. As founder and CEO Ki Ho Kang noted, the Partnerships empowers the company to “scale faster and deliver next-generation drone solutions.” This infusion of resources and strategic alignment with Deloitte positions Kihomac to become a central player in the revitalization of America’s domestic drone manufacturing industry.
“We are energized by Deloitte’s commitment and vision for scaling drone manufacturing right here in the United States. Working with Deloitte empowers us to scale faster and deliver next-generation drone solutions for our customers, while strengthening the local economy through new jobs and production capacity.”, Ki Ho Kang, Kihomac founder and CEO.
Conclusion: Charting a New Course for US Tech Manufacturing
The alliance between Deloitte US and Kihomac is a landmark development for the American drone industry. It represents a practical, hands-on approach to solving the complex challenges of supply chain security and domestic manufacturing capacity. By uniting Deloitte’s strategic and software expertise with Kihomac’s proven manufacturing capabilities, this partnership creates a formidable entity capable of producing secure, high-quality drones at scale for critical government and commercial applications.
Looking ahead, this collaboration could serve as a blueprint for future investments in America’s industrial base. It highlights a growing recognition that securing the nation’s technological future requires more than just innovation; it demands a robust, resilient, and domestic manufacturing ecosystem. The success of this venture may encourage other professional services firms and private investors to take a more direct role in rebuilding the country’s capacity to produce the technologies that will define the 21st century.
FAQ
Question: What is the primary goal of the Deloitte and Kihomac partnership?
Answer: The main objective is to scale up the domestic manufacturing of secure and reliable drones in the United States to meet the growing demand from government and commercial sectors.
Question: Who is Kihomac?
Answer: Kihomac is a veteran-owned small business founded in 2003 that specializes in providing engineering and manufacturing solutions for the aerospace and defense industries.
Question: Why is domestic drone production considered important?
Answer: Domestic production is critical for enhancing national security, ensuring a resilient and secure supply chain for vital technology, and creating American manufacturing jobs.
Sources
Photo Credit: Deloitte – Montage
UAV & Drones
Airbus Helicopters Unveils U145 Uncrewed H145 Variant at ILA Berlin
Airbus Helicopters revealed the U145 UAS mock-up at ILA Berlin 2026, targeting a maiden flight by end of 2026 and service entry in the early 2030s.
Airbus Helicopters unveiled a full-scale mock-up of the U145, an uncrewed variant of its H145 twin-engine helicopter, at the ILA Berlin airshow on June 8, 2026. The platform is designed to serve as a high-capacity, mission-agnostic uncrewed aerial system (UAS) for both military and civil operators.
In a press release issued during the event, the manufacturer confirmed that the U145 will leverage the existing H145 airframe and Safran Arriel 2E engines while removing the physical cockpit to maximize cargo volume. The aircraft represents the company’s second conversion of a crewed helicopter into a UAS, following the VSR700 program based on the Cabri G2.
Design and operational timeline
The U145 will feature a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 3,800 kilograms. To facilitate its primary role in high-volume cargo supply, the design incorporates specific structural adaptations, including an integrated nose door and a foldable loading table.
Airbus Helicopters plans to conduct the maiden flight of the U145 by the end of 2026, with a safety pilot onboard during initial testing. The company targets an entry into service in the early 2030s.
“With the U145, we are offering our customers an autonomous, uncrewed version of our H145 helicopter, combining the proven airframe, power and useful load of the H145 with the autonomy of a UAS,” stated Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
Parallel development in the United States
The European U145 program runs concurrently with a similar initiative led by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. The United States division is developing the MQ-72C, an autonomous variant of the UH-72B Lakota, which is the United States military version of the H145 family.
The MQ-72C is tailored for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Aerial Logistics Connector program, designed to provide autonomous resupply capabilities in contested environments. Airbus integrated the Hivemind autonomy package from Shield AI into the MQ-72C, achieving its first autonomous flight in August 2025.
In April 2026, the MQ-72C completed an integrated autonomous flight test. During this evaluation, the aircraft demonstrated the ability to scan landing zones, detect obstacles, and identify alternative landing sites using technology provided by partners Shield AI, L3Harris Technologies, and Parry Labs.
Future mission expansion and partnerships
While initial development focuses on logistics, Airbus intends the U145 to feature a modular architecture capable of supporting diverse mission profiles. Projected future applications include disaster management, firefighting, armed scouting, and surveillance.
The manufacturer is also exploring the platform’s potential as a drone mothership for air-launched effects, partnering with European missile manufacturer MBDA for this capability. Louvot noted that Airbus will collaborate with leading autonomous mission partners to expand the UAS ecosystem in Europe.
The baseline H145 family provides a mature foundation for the uncrewed variant. According to Airbus, more than 1,800 H145 family helicopters are currently in service globally, having accumulated over 8.5 million total flight hours.
AirPro News analysis
We view the U145 and its MQ-72C counterpart as a pragmatic approach to heavy-lift autonomous vertical flight. By utilizing an airframe with 8.5 million flight hours rather than developing a clean-sheet design, Airbus significantly reduces aerodynamic and mechanical risk. The removal of the cockpit and associated life-support systems likely yields a substantial payload dividend, making the 3,800-kilogram MTOW highly efficient for cargo operations. The dual-track development between Europe and the United States also allows Airbus to satisfy distinct regulatory and defense procurement requirements while sharing core autonomy learnings across the Atlantic.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
UAV & Drones
Xeriant and UAV Corp Sign MOU to Advance Drone and Aerospace Tech
Xeriant and UAV Corp sign MOU to combine advanced materials with drone airships, targeting enhanced aerospace performance and space exploration.
This article is based on an official press release from Xeriant, Inc. and UAV Corp.
On May 22, 2026, Xeriant, Inc. (OTCQB: XERI) and UAV Corp. (OTCPK: UMAV) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore a strategic combination. According to the official press release, this potential merger or acquisition aims to integrate Xeriant’s advanced materials with UAV Corp’s lighter-than-air drone platforms.
The collaboration seeks to leverage synergies across advanced materials, quantum AI, hybrid propulsion, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). A key objective outlined in the announcement is positioning the combined entity for an uplisting to a major national exchange, such as the Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
We note that this MOU brings together Xeriant’s eco-friendly, fire-resistant composites and UAV Corp’s expanding portfolio of semi-rigid and rigid drone airships, potentially addressing critical engineering challenges in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Technological Synergies and Material Integration
Enhancing Drone and Airship Performance
The core of the proposed combination centers on material optimization. Xeriant’s flagship DUREVER™ brand, which includes the fire-resistant and eco-friendly NEXBOARD™ composite panels, is slated for integration into UAV Corp’s platforms. According to the press release, utilizing these advanced nanomaterials will make UAV Corp’s airships and drones lighter, stronger, and highly fire-resistant.
UAV Corp., operating through its wholly owned subsidiary Skyborne Technology, develops the DART (Detachable-Airship-Retractable Tether) Series. These platforms are engineered for persistent surveillance, disaster relief, precision agriculture, and military applications. The integration of Xeriant’s materials is expected to directly enhance the flight performance and durability of these systems.
Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt (Ret.), President of Xeriant’s Factor X innovation division, noted that the companies’ technologies are a natural fit to optimize weight and durability. In the company release, Holt stated:
“This relationship will position both companies to accelerate innovation across aerospace, defense, and emerging space applications while advancing toward a major exchange listing.”
Expanding Horizons: Space Exploration and Market Growth
Near-Space and Moon-Mars Initiatives
Beyond terrestrial applications, the MOU outlines ambitious plans for space exploration. The companies are actively exploring applications for near-space and Moon-Mars missions. The press release specifically highlights the potential utilization of Helium-3 (H3), an isotope prevalent on the Moon, which could be leveraged for advanced propulsion, energy systems, and novel structural designs in space-based efforts.
Commercial Traction and Industry Demand
The strategic combination comes at a time of significant growth for both companies and their respective industries. Industry projections cited in the provided research report estimate the global unmanned aerial vehicle market will exceed $58 billion by 2027.
UAV Corp. has recently demonstrated substantial commercial traction. In early 2025, the company announced $105 million in Letters of Intent (LOIs) for its DART Series, followed by a $420 million LOI in March 2025 for a multi-system purchase of its DART 600 Series mid-altitude drone airships. To scale manufacturing, UAV Corp. is breaking ground on a “SKY” Hangar at its Costin Airport facility in Florida. Concurrently, Xeriant expanded its product line in May 2026 with NexPatch™, a fire-resistant joint compound complementing its NEXBOARD™ panels, addressing growing national demands for non-combustible building materials.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a highly consequential development for micro-cap aerospace investors. The pairing of Xeriant’s materials science expertise with UAV Corp’s pending commercial contracts, totaling over $525 million in LOIs according to the provided data, creates a compelling value proposition for the combined entity.
The explicit mention of Helium-3 and lunar initiatives adds a highly ambitious, forward-looking dimension to the partnership. While the immediate benefits will likely be seen in the weight reduction and fire resistance of the DART Series airships, the long-term goal of uplisting to a major exchange indicates strong confidence from both management teams in their combined technological and commercial trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the MOU between Xeriant and UAV Corp?
The MOU establishes a framework to explore a strategic combination, such as a merger or acquisition, to integrate Xeriant’s advanced materials into UAV Corp’s drone airships and pursue an uplisting to a major stock exchange.
What technologies are involved in the partnership?
The collaboration focuses on advanced materials (like Xeriant’s fire-resistant DUREVER™ composites), quantum AI, hybrid propulsion, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
What are the recent financial milestones for UAV Corp?
According to the provided research report, UAV Corp secured $105 million in LOIs in early 2025 and a $420 million LOI in March 2025 for its DART Series airships.
Sources
Photo Credit: UAV Corp
UAV & Drones
Matternet and Amprius Partner to Develop Advanced Drone Batteries
Matternet and Amprius collaborate to integrate high-energy silicon anode batteries into next-gen delivery drones, aiming for 2027 production.
Matternet and Amprius Forge Strategic Partnership to Power Next-Generation Delivery Drones
On May 19, 2026, Matternet, a pioneer in urban drone delivery, and Amprius Technologies (NYSE: AMPX), a developer of silicon anode lithium-ion batteries, announced a strategic collaboration. According to a company press release, the partnership is designed to advance the performance and economics of autonomous aerial delivery networks by integrating high-energy-density battery solutions into commercial drone fleets.
Amprius’s proprietary silicon anode cells, specifically its SiCore® batteries, are already actively powering Matternet’s current M2 delivery aircraft. The newly announced extension of this collaboration will see the two companies jointly engineer optimized battery solutions tailored specifically for Matternet’s next-generation drone platform. Both companies have stated that they are targeting volume production readiness for early 2027.
For the commercial drone sector, battery performance remains a critical bottleneck. By shifting from traditional graphite-based batteries to advanced silicon anode technology, operators aim to unlock longer flight routes, heavier payload capacities, and faster fleet turnaround times. This partnership signals a concerted effort to mature drone hardware for mass commercial scaling.
The Technological Shift in Drone Delivery
Silicon Anode vs. Traditional Graphite
The core of this strategic partnership revolves around the transition to silicon anode batteries. According to industry data provided in the partnership announcement, Amprius’s silicon anode cells can deliver up to twice the energy density of conventional graphite-based batteries. In the aviation sector, where battery weight directly constrains range and payload, this technological leap provides significantly more power at a fraction of the weight.
The joint engineering effort will focus on tuning cell selection, form factor, thermal performance, charge rate, and cycle life. By saving minutes in charging times and grams in overall aircraft weight, operators can theoretically increase fleet utilization and payload capacity, driving down the cost per delivery.
“At Amprius, we are focused on partnering with category leaders in applications where battery performance changes what is possible. Matternet is exactly that kind of partner, a company with a proven certified platform, real commercial operations, and a clear path to scale,” said Tom Stepien, CEO of Amprius Technologies, in the official release.
Scaling Commercial Operations
Matternet’s Expansion and Fleet Goals
Matternet currently holds the distinction of being the world’s only drone delivery company to possess both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification and Production Certification. The company has a proven track record, having conducted over 60,000 commercial flights across urban and suburban environments in the United States and Europe. Initially focused on business-to-business healthcare logistics, Matternet expanded into direct-to-consumer drone delivery operations in Silicon Valley in 2024.
The collaboration with Amprius is timed to align with Matternet’s broader fleet expansion plans. As the company prepares its next-generation aircraft architecture, optimizing the power source is a primary objective for achieving commercial sustainability.
“Amprius delivers best-in-class battery performance, and in drone delivery that translates directly into commercial advantage. Every additional mile of range expands our network coverage. Every minute saved in charging increases fleet utilization,” stated Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO of Matternet.
Amprius Technologies’ Aviation Footprint
Financial and Market Context
Amprius Technologies has been steadily expanding its footprint within the unmanned aviation sector. Beyond Matternet, the battery manufacturer already supplies drone delivery platforms operated by Nokia Drone Networks and Nordic Wing. This latest partnership represents a strategic deepening of their aviation portfolio.
Financially, Amprius has shown significant recent growth. As of May 2026, market reports indicate the company posted 173% revenue growth over the trailing twelve months, reaching $90.3 million, with a market valuation of approximately $2.25 billion. This growth underscores the increasing demand for high-performance battery cells in specialized industrial applications.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that while artificial intelligence and autonomous flight software frequently dominate the conversation surrounding the “Physical AI” era, the physical limitations of battery technology ultimately dictate the viability of the drone delivery business model. The Matternet-Amprius partnership highlights a broader industry trend: the maturation from proof-of-concept flights to the rigorous optimization of unit economics.
However, it is important to maintain a grounded perspective on the timeline and financial realities of this sector. While Amprius’s silicon anode technology offers undeniable performance advantages, advanced battery production is highly capital-intensive. Despite reporting high revenue growth, Amprius currently operates at a net loss as it scales its manufacturing capabilities. The targeted 2027 volume production readiness will be a critical milestone to watch, as it will test whether these technological gains can be manufactured at a scale and price point that makes widespread urban drone delivery profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the goal of the Matternet and Amprius partnership?
The partnership aims to advance the performance and economics of autonomous aerial delivery by developing optimized silicon anode battery solutions for Matternet’s next-generation drone platform.
Why are silicon anode batteries important for drones?
Silicon anode batteries, like those developed by Amprius, offer up to twice the energy density of traditional graphite batteries. This allows drones to carry heavier payloads, fly longer distances, and charge faster, all while reducing the overall weight of the aircraft.
When will the new drones be ready for commercial use?
Matternet and Amprius are targeting early 2027 for volume production readiness of the optimized battery solutions for the next-generation fleet.
Sources
Photo Credit: Matternet
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