Huntsville-based defense technology firm Performance Drone Works LLC has been awarded a $15.2 million contract by the U.S. Army to supply advanced drone systems and support equipment, further solidifying the Rocket City’s role in next-generation military technology.
According to a Department of Defense announcement, the firm-fixed-price contract covers the procurement of 40 C100X MRD Mission Bundles, 80 Next Vision Raptor EO/IR systems, and 17 UXV SROC Ground Control Stations for the Army’s Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Product Office.
The contract, valued at $15,259,840, was awarded through Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal. Only one bid was received through an online solicitation process. Work locations and funding allocations will be determined with each order, and the project is expected to be completed by March 20, 2027.
The award builds on the company’s rapid growth following the opening of its 90,000-square-foot Drone Factory 01 in Huntsville’s Research Park in 2025. The facility was designed to accelerate the production of tactical drone systems at scale, reflecting a broader shift in military strategy toward smaller, more agile, and more affordable uncrewed technologies.
Performance Drone Works’ C100 platform, included in this latest contract, is a modular reconnaissance drone designed for a variety of mission sets, including surveillance, targeting, and communications. The addition of electro-optical and infrared systems, along with ground control stations, highlights the Army’s continued investment in integrated, field-ready drone capabilities.
The contract underscores Huntsville’s growing prominence in defense innovation, particularly in uncrewed systems and advanced manufacturing. With continued investment and production capacity, local facilities like Drone Factory 01 are positioning the region at the forefront of evolving battlefield technologies.
As demand for scalable, rapidly deployable systems increases, industry leaders say contracts like this signal a continued shift in how the U.S. military equips its forces for modern threats.
