This article is based on an official press release from Elroy Air and Barq Group.

Barq Group and Elroy Air Announce $200 Million Joint Venture to Manufacture Autonomous Cargo-Aircraft in Abu Dhabi

Barq Group, a leader in smart mobility based in the United Arab Emirates, and Elroy Air, a U.S. developer of autonomous aerospace technology, have signed an initial agreement to establish a joint venture (JV) valued at $200 million. The partnership focuses on establishing a Manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi to produce the Chaparral, a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) cargo aircraft.

According to the announcement, the joint venture aims to address the critical “middle-mile” logistics gap across the Middle East and North Africa (Middle-East) region. By localizing manufacturing, the companies intend to support the UAE’s strategic push for autonomous transport and industrial self-reliance.

Establishing a Regional Aerospace Hub

The agreement outlines a phased approach to introducing the Chaparral aircraft to the region. Under the terms of the deal, the joint venture will oversee flight operations, manufacturing, and aftermarket services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

The companies have set a clear timeline for deployment:

• 2027: Initial flight operations are scheduled to begin in the UAE utilizing aircraft manufactured in the United States.
• 2028: Full-scale local manufacturing of the Chaparral is expected to commence at the new facility in Abu Dhabi.

Ahmed AlMazrui, Co-founder and CEO of Barq Group, emphasized the scale of the commitment in a statement regarding the deal:

“This $200 million investment is more than a manufacturing agreement; it is a commitment to building a self-sustaining aerospace ecosystem in the UAE. The massive demand we are seeing from logistics providers across MENA makes it clear that local production is the only way to scale effectively.”

The project aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster and the national “Make it in the Emirates” strategy, which prioritizes the development of local industrial capabilities.

The Chaparral: Specifications and Capabilities

The Chaparral is designed specifically for middle-mile logistics, the transport of goods between distribution centers or to remote locations, bypassing the need for traditional airports or ground infrastructure. Elroy Air describes the aircraft as a “lift + cruise” hybrid-electric VTOL system.

Key Technical Specifications

According to technical data released by Elroy Air, the Chaparral features:

• Payload Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg).
• Range: 300 miles (482 km).
• Propulsion: A hybrid-electric powertrain utilizing a turbine generator to charge batteries in-flight.
• Infrastructure Requirements: A landing zone of approximately 50 square feet (4.6 square meters).

A critical feature for the MENA region is the aircraft’s independence from electric charging infrastructure. Because the turbine generator charges the batteries during flight, the Chaparral does not require ground-based charging stations, enabling operations in remote deserts, offshore platforms, or mountainous terrain.

Dr. Andrew Clare, CEO of Elroy Air, highlighted the regional suitability of the aircraft:

“Demand for the Chaparral in the MENA region has been immense… Abu Dhabi is the ideal strategic hub for our first international manufacturing footprint.”

AirPro News Analysis

The “middle mile” is historically the most inefficient segment of the supply chain in the MENA region due to challenging geography and sparse infrastructure. Traditional cargo aircraft require runways that do not exist at many remote industrial sites, while ground transport is often slowed by indirect routes through deserts or archipelagos.

By deploying a VTOL system that requires zero airport infrastructure, this joint venture directly targets these inefficiencies. Furthermore, the hybrid powertrain distinguishes the Chaparral from purely electric competitors, which may struggle in regions lacking robust electrical grids at every delivery point. This move also positions Barq Group and Elroy Air to compete with other emerging players in the region, such as Dronamics, which has also secured agreements in the UAE.

Company Backgrounds and Market Position

Barq Group is the Abu Dhabi-based smart mobility arm of the larger conglomerate, distinct from other entities sharing the name in the region. Since launching its mobility division in April 2023, Barq has focused on eco-friendly transport solutions, previously signing agreements for ground-based electric delivery vehicles. This JV marks a significant expansion into aerial logistics.

Elroy Air, headquartered in South San Francisco, was founded in 2016. The company reports a commercial order backlog exceeding $3 billion, representing over 1,000 aircraft, with interest from major global customers including FedEx and Bristow Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the joint venture?
The agreement represents a $200 million investment to build a manufacturing facility and establish operations in Abu Dhabi.

When will the aircraft begin flying in the UAE?
Flight operations using U.S.-built aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2027, with locally manufactured aircraft entering service in 2028.

Does the Chaparral require charging stations?
No. The aircraft uses a hybrid-electric powertrain where a turbine generator charges the batteries in-flight, eliminating the need for ground charging infrastructure.

Sources

• Elroy Air Press Release

China’s Tianma-1000 Heavy-Lift Cargo Drones Completes Maiden-Flight

On Sunday, January 11, 2026, China successfully conducted the maiden flight of the “Tianma-1000” unmanned transport aircraft. According to reporting by CGTN, the aircraft was developed by Xi’an ASN Technology Group Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the state-owned defense contractor China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco). The flight test, conducted at an airport in Shaanxi Province, marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to expand its “low-altitude economy.”

The Tianma-1000 is designed to serve as a multi-role platform, integrating logistics transport, emergency rescue capabilities, and supply drop functions. State media reports indicate that the successful flight verified the aircraft’s aerodynamic design and control systems, clearing the way for further development in complex terrain operations.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

Data regarding the Tianma-1000 highlights its positioning as a heavy-lift solution intended to bridge the gap between small delivery drones and traditional manned cargo planes. According to technical specifications released in conjunction with the flight, the aircraft features a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms (1 metric ton) and a maximum range of 1,800 kilometers.

Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) Performance

A defining feature of the Tianma-1000 is its Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capability. Unlike systems requiring standard airport infrastructure, this aircraft is engineered to operate from unpaved surfaces such as grass or compacted dirt. Technical reports state that the aircraft requires a runway length of less than 200 meters to take off or land. This capability is specifically aimed at facilitating operations in remote areas, including high-altitude plateaus and mountainous regions where long concrete runways are unavailable.

Operational Efficiency

To support rapid logistics, the aircraft incorporates an intelligent loading system. Developer data suggests that the AI-assisted mechanism allows for the loading or unloading of its full 1-ton payload in approximately five minutes. Furthermore, the fuselage utilizes a modular “quick-swap” design, enabling operators to switch between standard logistics transport and airdrop modes depending on mission requirements.

Strategic Context and Developer Background

The development of the Tianma-1000 underscores the growing intersection between military and civilian aerospace technology in China. The developer, Xi’an ASN Technology Group, is recognized as a dominant player in the domestic UAV market and is the largest drone production base in the country. Its parent company, Norinco, is a major state-owned defense contractor traditionally known for land systems.

According to industry analysis referenced in reports surrounding the Launch, the Tianma-1000 is part of a broader national push to develop a “low-altitude economy”, a sector that Beijing estimates could be valued at 2 trillion yuan by 2030. The aircraft joins a competitive field of domestic heavy-lift drones, including the TP1000 and AT200, all vying for market share in the “middle-mile” logistics sector.

AirPro News Analysis

The Case for STOL over VTOL

While many Western competitors in the autonomous cargo sector, such as Elroy Air or Sabrewing, have prioritized Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capabilities to eliminate runway requirements entirely, the Tianma-1000 represents a different engineering philosophy. By opting for a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) configuration, Chinese engineers appear to be prioritizing payload efficiency and range over vertical versatility.

VTOL systems require heavy lifting rotors and complex propulsion systems that often consume significant fuel and reduce overall cargo capacity. In contrast, the Tianma-1000’s fixed-wing design with STOL capabilities allows it to carry a substantial 1-ton payload over 1,800 kilometers while maintaining a simpler mechanical profile. For operations in China’s western regions, where flat strips of land (200 meters) are generally available even in remote areas, this trade-off offers a pragmatic, cost-effective solution for middle-mile logistics.

Global Comparison

The Tianma-1000 enters a global market populated by several emerging heavy-lift autonomous aircraft. Its specifications place it in direct competition with international platforms, though with distinct operational profiles.

• Tianma-1000 (China): 1,000 kg payload, 1,800 km range, STOL (<200m).
• Sabrewing Rhaegal-B (USA): ~2,400 kg payload, 1,800 km range, VTOL.
• Dronamics Black Swan (Europe): 350 kg payload, 2,500 km range, requires 400m runway.

The Tianma-1000’s service ceiling of 8,000 meters also distinguishes it, suggesting a specific design focus on high-altitude operations suitable for the Tibetan Plateau and other mountainous frontiers.

Sources

• CGTN
• Xinhua News Agency
• Norinco / Xi’an ASN Technology Group

This article is based on an official press release from Dynamic Aerospace Systems.

Dynamic Aerospace Systems Ramps Up Production Following FCC Ban on Foreign Drones

Dynamic Aerospace Systems (DAS), formerly known as BrooQLy, Inc., announced on December 29, 2025, that it is accelerating its strategic expansion plans to meet a surge in demand for American-made Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This announcement follows a significant regulatory shift in the United States, specifically the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent implementation of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 1709.

According to the company’s press release, the FCC’s Public Notice (DA 25-1086), issued on December 22, 2025, effectively prohibits new equipment authorizations for drones and critical components produced in “covered” foreign countries. DAS states that this regulatory action creates an immediate market vacuum, necessitating a rapid shift toward domestic alternatives for both government and commercial sectors.

In a statement regarding the new regulations, DAS leadership emphasized their readiness to fill the gap left by restricted foreign manufacturers.

“We are fully prepared to meet the heightened global demand for secure, American-built drone solutions,” the company stated in its release.

Regulatory Context: The Impact of NDAA Section 1709

The catalyst for DAS’s recent announcement is the enforcement of Section 1709 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act. As outlined in the company’s statement and supporting regulatory documents, this legislation adds specific foreign-produced UAVs and their critical components to the FCC’s “Covered List.”

This designation prevents the FCC from issuing new authorizations for these devices, effectively blocking new models from major foreign competitors, most notably those based in China, from entering the U.S. market. DAS publicly endorsed this move, citing national security concerns such as data exfiltration and supply chain vulnerabilities associated with foreign-made technology.

Supply Chain Sovereignty

DAS highlighted its commitment to “supply chain sovereignty,” a concept that ensures all critical components are sourced domestically or from allied nations. The company asserts that its manufacturing processes in Ann Arbor, Michigan, are designed to eliminate the risks associated with foreign reliance, positioning their products as compliant, “Blue UAS” alternatives suitable for sensitive government operations.

The “Fortis Class” and Operational Capabilities

To address the requirements of the new regulatory landscape, DAS is promoting its “Fortis Class” of aircraft. According to company disclosures, this portfolio is designed for dual-use applications, serving both military defense needs and commercial logistics.

The Fortis Class includes three primary platforms:

• Overwatch (Hybrid VTOL): A long-range ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and logistics drone featuring gas-electric hybrid propulsion. It is designed for endurance missions such as border patrol.
• Sentinel (Electric Multi-copter): Tailored for urban surveillance and last-mile delivery, this unit utilizes a unique “battery-integrated airframe” to maximize flight time.
• Breacher (Tactical Multi-copter): A ruggedized drone built for close-quarters combat (CQB) and hazardous indoor inspections.

The company confirmed in its release that it is expanding manufacturing capacity at its Ann Arbor facility to handle the expected volume increase resulting from the foreign technology ban.

Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion

Beyond manufacturing, DAS detailed several strategic moves intended to secure its foothold in the global market. The press release and recent company filings point to partnerships aimed at integrating DAS hardware into established logistics networks.

Key developments include:

• Government Sales: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Potomac River Group (PRG), a GSA-listed vendor, to facilitate direct sales to U.S. government agencies.
• International Logistics: An agreement with Noon Fulfillment to integrate DAS drones into logistics networks in the Middle East, and a partnership with Drops Smart Hubs to develop aerial infrastructure in Greece.

AirPro News Analysis

The timing of Dynamic Aerospace Systems’ announcement is critical. By issuing this release just one week after the FCC’s December 22 notice, DAS is aggressively positioning itself to capture investor and customer attention during a period of industry disruption. The “import substitution” narrative is central to their strategy; with Chinese incumbents effectively barred from introducing new models, the U.S. market is undergoing a forced pivot toward domestic suppliers.

However, the challenge for DAS, and the broader U.S. drone industrial base, will be scaling production to match the volume and price points previously offered by foreign competitors. While the “Fortis Class” offers compliant alternatives, the company’s ability to execute on its manufacturing expansion in Ann Arbor will be the true test of its “readiness” claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the FCC’s December 22 Public Notice?
The notice implements Section 1709 of the FY25 NDAA, which bans the FCC from authorizing new drones or critical components from specific foreign countries, effectively blocking new Chinese drone models from the U.S. market.

What is Dynamic Aerospace Systems?
Dynamic Aerospace Systems (DAS) is a U.S.-based drone manufacturer headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company was formerly known as BrooQLy, Inc. (OTCQB: BRQL).

What drones does DAS manufacture?
DAS manufactures the “Fortis Class” of UAVs, which includes the Overwatch (hybrid VTOL), Sentinel (urban surveillance), and Breacher (tactical) models.

Sources

• Dynamic Aerospace Systems Press Release
• FCC Public Notice DA 25-1086 (Context)