ZenaTech Eyes U.S. Defense Market with Secure Drone Certification

VANCOUVER, BC – February 19, 2026 – Technology provider ZenaTech has initiated a critical move to position its heavy-lift drone for U.S. military and government use, announcing it has formally applied for Green UAS certification for its flagship ZenaDrone 1000. This strategic step signals the company's intent to enter the highly regulated and lucrative U.S. defense market, where supply chain security and freedom from foreign influence are paramount.

The application process places the AI-powered drone on a direct path for potential inclusion in approved procurement lists for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. Successful certification would serve as a powerful validation of the ZenaDrone 1000's security and compliance, opening doors to contracts in a market increasingly wary of foreign-made technology.

The High-Stakes Gauntlet of Drone Certification

In today's geopolitical climate, the origin and security of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) are a matter of national security. In response, the U.S. government has established stringent certification pathways to create a roster of trusted drone suppliers. The Green UAS program, developed by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) in collaboration with the DoD's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), is a key part of this ecosystem.

Green UAS certification is an exhaustive compliance and cybersecurity framework. It verifies that a drone and its critical components—including flight controllers, cameras, and data links—are free from parts manufactured in adversarial nations, as mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This addresses deep-seated concerns about data espionage and supply chain vulnerabilities associated with foreign-sourced drones.

"Initiating the Green UAS certification process for the ZenaDrone 1000 is a crucial step in expanding our U.S. defense and government engagement," said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO, in a statement. "Secure, NDAA-aligned drone systems are increasingly becoming a baseline requirement for federal procurement... Our initiation of this application process also reinforces our commitment to cybersecurity, supply chain integrity, and American-aligned innovation."

Achieving Green UAS status is also a mandatory prerequisite for the DoD's more stringent Blue UAS certification. While Green UAS opens the door to a wide range of federal and commercial markets requiring high security, the Blue UAS list is the gold standard for mission-critical defense operations, enabling streamlined procurement for frontline military use.

ZenaDrone 1000: A Heavy-Lifter for the Modern Battlefield

The ZenaDrone 1000 (ZD1000) is not a typical consumer drone. It is an industrial-grade, AI-powered octocopter designed for demanding missions. Built with a robust carbon fiber frame, the VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) platform is engineered to operate in complex and high-risk environments. Its ability to take off and land in confined spaces makes it highly adaptable for forward operating bases or dense urban terrain.

Its most notable feature is its heavy-lift capability, with a specified payload capacity of 40 kilograms (approximately 88 pounds). This allows the ZD1000 to be configured for a wide variety of missions beyond simple observation. With a flight endurance of up to one hour, it can be equipped with sophisticated sensor packages for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), including high-resolution 4K, thermal, and infrared cameras. These capabilities are vital for real-time surveillance, tactical reconnaissance, and secure data collection.

Beyond ISR, its payload capacity makes it a formidable logistics tool, capable of delivering mission-critical cargo like ammunition, medical supplies, or repair parts to troops in the field. The drone's modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration, potentially accommodating payloads for counter-drone operations or specialized communications relays, transforming it from a simple eye in the sky to an active participant in tactical operations.

Navigating a Competitive and Lucrative Market

ZenaTech's move comes as the global military drone market is projected to expand significantly, with some forecasts suggesting it could reach nearly $30 billion by 2030. This growth is fueled by a global military modernization trend and the increasing integration of AI into defense platforms. However, entry into the U.S. federal segment of this market is fiercely competitive and guarded by the aforementioned certification processes.

Several companies, including Skydio and Inspired Flight, have already successfully navigated the process to get their platforms on the Blue UAS Cleared List. By pursuing Green UAS certification, ZenaTech is joining a growing cohort of manufacturers vying for a share of this secure market. The Green UAS program itself is designed to expand the pool of trusted suppliers, providing government agencies with a broader array of options for everything from infrastructure inspection and public safety to front-line military support.

This push for a secure, domestic drone industrial base is a direct response to years of market domination by a few foreign manufacturers, which created dependencies the U.S. government now considers a strategic vulnerability. ZenaTech's initiative with the ZD1000 is a clear indicator of the industry's pivot to align with these new national security priorities.

A Calculated Move for a Growing Tech Firm

For ZenaTech, the pursuit of Green UAS certification is more than just a product development milestone; it is a cornerstone of its corporate strategy. The company has recently posted extraordinary financial results, with a reported 1,225% year-over-year revenue growth in the third quarter of 2025, largely driven by its Drone as a Service (DaaS) division. This segment, which provides drone-based solutions for inspection, surveying, and monitoring, has demonstrated a strong market appetite for its services.

With significant cash reserves and a strategy of acquiring smaller land-survey and inspection businesses to scale its DaaS network, ZenaTech appears to have the financial stability and long-term vision required to undertake the costly and time-consuming certification process. The move to certify the ZD1000 for defense applications represents a logical, high-value progression from its established commercial and industrial drone operations.

While the application is only the first step on a long road, a successful Green UAS certification would not only validate the ZenaDrone 1000's technical and security credentials but also significantly elevate ZenaTech's profile. It would position the company as a trusted partner for U.S. government and defense agencies, ready to supply next-generation autonomous systems for an increasingly complex world.