US Army Awards Skydio $52M+ Contract for 2,500 X10D Drones
The U.S. Army has awarded Skydio a contract exceeding $52 million for the procurement of over 2,500 X10D reconnaissance drones, representing the service’s largest single-vendor purchase of minor unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to date. The order, placed through Atlantic Diving Supply, was completed in less than 72 hours, according to Skydio.
The X10D system is designed for autonomous reconnaissance, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities at the platoon level, Skydio stated. The drones have undergone testing in operational environments mirroring contemporary conflict zones, the company added.
“This order reflects the decisive role small autonomous systems now play in modern conflict and the Army’s commitment to putting those capabilities in soldiers’ hands,” said Mark Valentine, Global Head of National Security Strategy at Skydio. “It also shows that the United States can deliver world-class drone capability at the scale and speed required by today’s operational environment.”
A key feature of the X10D is its ability to operate autonomously even when GPS signals are unavailable. The system utilizes onboard navigation cameras to create real-time terrain maps, enabling continued flight and mission completion in environments susceptible to electronic warfare. The platform also incorporates a multiband radio system designed to maintain connectivity in high-interference environments by dynamically selecting optimal frequencies.
The drones are equipped with high-resolution visual and thermal imaging sensors, allowing for day and night surveillance operations while operators remain concealed. This capability provides small units with organic aerial reconnaissance, reducing reliance on higher-level assets and accelerating response times in dynamic situations.
Skydio manufactures the X10D at its facility in Hayward, California, where each unit undergoes hundreds of assembly and testing checkpoints to ensure reliability. The company has scaled production to meet the demands of large orders while maintaining military-grade standards.
This contract builds upon Skydio’s involvement in the Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) program, having been selected in both 2022 and 2025. Skydio is currently the only manufacturer to have been chosen in both phases of the SRR program.
The Army prohibited the apply of drones manufactured by Chinese company DJI in 2017, citing security concerns, and has since focused on procuring alternatives from domestic or allied suppliers. The X10D is intended to fulfill these requirements while offering comparable or enhanced capabilities. Four Skydio X10D drones were stolen from Fort Campbell in February 2026, prompting the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to offer a $5,000 reward for information leading to their recovery.
The rapid procurement timeline – less than 72 hours from bid to award – highlights a broader effort to streamline acquisition processes for technologies deemed critical to current operational needs.