Neros Technologies Drones: Supplying Ukraine’s Defense
Neros Technologies, a company based in Los Angeles, has secured a significant contract to deliver 6,000 first-person view (FPV) attack drones to Ukraine. This procurement is part of a broader international initiative aimed at supplying unmanned aerial vehicles to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. The contract stipulates that Neros will deliver its Archer drones over a six-month period, marking a record supply rate for any US drone manufacturer.
Soren Monroe-Anderson, co-founder and CEO of Neros, emphasized the urgency of the project during the company’s inception. “One of the first things we did when we started the company was go to Ukraine, and we were informed that without a capacity to produce 5,000 drones per month, we would be deemed ineffective,” he shared with Forbes. This feedback guided Neros’s ambitious production goals.
Specifications of the Archer Drone
The Archer drone, a key product in Neros’s lineup, boasts impressive specifications. It is equipped with a warhead weighing 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) and has an operational range exceeding 20 kilometers (12 miles). Notably, this drone is designed for versatility, capable of flying both day and night, as well as in challenging weather conditions.
Measuring 8 inches (20 centimeters), the Archer features a jam-resistant design, allowing it to operate effectively across multiple control frequencies. Additionally, it is outfitted with a wide-band video transmitter, which enhances its operational capabilities, as detailed by Forbes.
Sourcing and Manufacturing Challenges
In a market where many drone manufacturers rely on components from China, Neros Technologies has taken a distinct approach by ensuring that its drones contain no Chinese parts. This decision is particularly significant given the cost challenges associated with sourcing alternative components. Monroe-Anderson highlighted that historically, motors and cameras have been the most difficult elements to procure from non-Chinese suppliers.
To address this challenge, Neros has collaborated closely with partners to scale up production lines outside of China, ensuring the integrity and reliability of their products. This strategic move not only differentiates Neros in the competitive drone market but also enhances the resilience of its supply chain.
Payload Installation by Ukrainian Forces
While the contract with Neros Technologies covers the supply of the Archer drones, it does not include the payloads. Ukrainian forces are expected to handle the installation of these payloads in-house. This arrangement allows for greater flexibility and customization according to the specific operational needs of Ukraine’s military.
By empowering Ukrainian personnel to manage the payload installation, Neros is facilitating a more integrated approach to drone deployment, ensuring that these advanced systems can be adapted to meet the evolving challenges on the battlefield.
