MarketNewsUpdates News Commentary

On Thursday U.S. Defense Secretary PeteHegseth announced breaking developments for the Drone Manufacturing Industry by issuing new orders to fast-track drone manufacturing operations, cutting red tape by calling for extensive reforms to Pentagon drone-buying practices. Hegseth announced he was signing memos to rescind restrictive policies regarding drone production and deployment. The memos state that the Defense Secretary plans to delegate authorities to procure and operate drones, deemed "vital" technology. Shares of drone manufacturers jumped in the premarket today following yesterday's announcement. The announcement is part of a broader push to accelerate unmanned warfare capabilities and reclassify small drones as consumable assets rather than high-value aircraft. In an article issued by Fox News: "Hegseth orders commanders to treat small drones as consumable weapons rather than high-end aircraft. As part of an aggressive push to outpace Russia and China in unmanned warfare, "the Department's bureaucratic gloves are coming off," Hegseth wrote. "Lethality will not be hindered by self-imposed restrictions... Our major risk is risk-avoidance." In a pair of memos first obtained by Fox News Digital, Hegseth rescinded legacy policies that he believes restricted innovation. For the first time, commanders with the rank of colonel or captain can independently procure and test drones, including 3D-printed prototypes and commercial-off-the-shelf systems, as long as they meet national security criteria. Active Companies in the Drone Industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC).