A Chandler aerospace security company that specializes in drone detection and related services is now part of a company that calls itself a market leader in counterdrone command and control security.
Virginia-based Dedrone said its acquisition of Aerial Armor, which was founded in the Valley in 2016, will help it deliver the best-in-class airspace security technology platform. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
All Aerial Armor employees will be retained, Dedrone said. The Chandler company has about 10 employees, and a Dedrone spokesperson said the acquisition results in a 10-15% increase of Dedrone's overall employment.
Aerial Armor's CEO Russ Haugan and Chief Technology Officer Matt Altman will both be joining Dedrone's leadership team, a Dedrone spokesperson said. Haugen will be chief strategy officer and will oversee the integration, while Altman will be chief product officer and will handle product management across the combined company, including managing the combined roadmap for features and functions, the spokesperson said.
The acquisition deal means the combined entities now have the infrastructure to offer drone protection to 50% of the U.S. population, the spokesperson said.
Aerial Armor has built a custom software solution for drone detection systems that works with a variety of hardware, and the company’s services include permanent installation of equipment.
Dedrone said it plans to eventually bring the best elements of its offerings together with those of Aerial Armor into “a multi-sensor fusion, cUAS (counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems) command and control (C2) platform.” But for the near term, customers will see no changes as Aerial Armor continues to honor its contracts.
Dedrone continues growth trajectory
Haugan said a strong counterdrone platform is essential as aerospace threats continue to increase, meaning current “point solutions” are no longer enough. His company’s national clients include stadiums, prisons, airports, government entities, large festival organizers and critical infrastructure managers.
“Dedrone offers a like-minded team in its approach to the future of airspace security, which is why this acquisition is an important one for our 100-plus customers and team to continue to deliver the best possible solution for airspace security against the persistent and escalating threat of drones,” Haugan said in a statement. “Together, our strengths will continue to provide best-in-class service to the venues, airports, federal entities and law enforcement agencies that rely on us for truly secure airspace no matter the perimeter size.”
Dedrone said it has been on a growth trajectory in recent months amid a jump in demand for aerospace detection, tracking, identification and mitigation technology. The company’s offerings are in use by governments, companies and high-profile events in 40 countries. It recently introduced a law enforcement tool for urban environments and said it works with more than 35 law enforcement agencies.
The two companies had already built up strong rapport, Dedone CEO Aaditya Devarakonda said. Devarakonda also said his team was impressed with Aerial Armor’s technology, expertise and strong customer relationships.
“I am thrilled to have Russ, Matt and the entire Aerial Armor team join Dedrone,” Devarakonda said in a statement. “We are constantly looking for the finest talent in the market and Aerial Armor provides one of the best groups of individuals with a deep understanding of the cUAS space. I have a lot of respect for the business they have built and am looking forward to building the best-of-breed solution for our customers.”
In addition to its headquarters outside of Washington, D.C., Dedrone has offices in San Francisco; San Diego; Columbus, Ohio; London; and Kassel, Germany.
