DroneShield doubles US workforce with AI-focused expansion and second Virginia site to meet counter-drone demand

DroneShield boosts US operations with AI-focused expansion

September 23, 2025

DroneShield is doubling its US workforce and opening a second location at its Virginia headquarters to meet growing demand for counter-unmanned systems (CUxS). More than 30% of new roles will focus on software and AI, signaling a push to speed up product cycles and improve customer support.

This move follows recent expansions in Australia and the EU, building physical proximity to key customers and programs. For operations teams, that means faster integration, shorter lead times, and better access to technical support across regions.

Why this matters for operations

• Shorter product development cycles can reduce time from requirement to fielding.
• More US-based engineering support improves response times and on-site service options.
• Second Virginia facility suggests higher throughput for orders, testing, and sustainment.
• Greater AI focus points to more frequent software/model updates-plan for update windows and validation.

Headcount and capability focus

Doubling the US team, with a significant share in software and AI, indicates heavier emphasis on sensor fusion, detection accuracy, and automated response logic. The added Virginia site increases capacity for R&D, customer trials, and lifecycle support.

DroneShield stated the enlarged facility will help it accelerate product development and improve service for a growing customer base. This should translate into clearer roadmaps, faster iteration, and tighter feedback loops with end users.

Policy and market context

The expansion fits with the US Department of Defense push to quickly acquire innovative counter-drone capabilities. In December 2024, the Secretary of Defense authorized a classified blueprint to strengthen defenses against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), increasing demand for deployable CUxS solutions across services and agencies.

What to do now: Operations checklist

• Confirm delivery timelines: request updated lead times, production capacity data, and surge options.
• Lock in SLAs: define response times for field support, software issues, and hardware RMA.
• Plan for updates: set a cadence for firmware/AI model updates, rollback procedures, and performance re-verification.
• Validate integration: map interfaces to your command-and-control and security stack; require documented APIs and test plans.
• Assess data requirements: clarify sensor data retention, labeling needs, model training inputs, and data rights.
• Compliance gates: align with cyber accreditation, spectrum approvals, site safety, and export controls.
• Sustainment model: confirm spares stocking levels, depot strategy, and field repair capabilities.
• Performance metrics: define KPIs (detection range, classification accuracy, false alarm rates, mean time to detect/respond).
• Pilots first: schedule controlled trials with operational scenarios and after-action reviews before scaling.

Statements from leadership

CEO Matt McCrann said: "As we continue to scale our operations globally, this expansion in the US plays a crucial role in enhancing our ability to innovate and deliver advanced solutions for the evolving defence industrial base right here in the US. We're investing in the future of defence, and our growing footprint and impact in the US market directly supports that effort."

Chief Product and Technology Officer Angus Bean said: "Expanding our US technology team strengthens our ability to support critical programmes and deliver advanced solutions with greater speed and precision. This investment ensures end users benefit from responsive, real-time support and the depth of expertise required for mission success."

Bottom line for operations

Expect faster access to CUxS capabilities, stronger US-based support, and more frequent software-driven improvements. Prepare your procurement, integration, and sustainment plans to take advantage of the expanded capacity and keep field units mission-ready.