ZenaDrone, a subsidiary of ZenaTech, will apply for a patent and accelerate the implementation of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (Counter-UAS) technology on the ZenaDrone 1000 in response to a U.S. executive order.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), SaaS enterprise solutions, and quantum computing, today announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone plans to apply for a patent and accelerate the deployment of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Counter-UAS) technology, which will be integrated into the Company’s flagship drone platform, ZenaDrone 1000, in response to a new policy directive established by executive order. Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Counter-UAS) technology refers to tools or systems that can detect, track, or mitigate unauthorized or dangerous drones to protect people, property, and airspace.
ZenaDrone's technology for this purpose was originally designed last year, however, it was put on hold while the company prioritized other commercial and defense applications. However, the recent policy directive on Counter-UAS, contained in the White House Executive Order of June 6, 2025, "Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty ," has clarified the urgency and importance of bringing effective drone defense solutions to market. In response, ZenaDrone is accelerating development and commercialization efforts to meet growing domestic and international demand.
"We developed our Counter-UAS system with future threats in mind, and the executive order has made it clear that the time to act is now," said Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech. "Integrating this technology into the ZenaDrone 1000 positions us to meet urgent security needs with a smart, autonomous air defense platform and be recognized as a provider of safe, reliable, and mission-ready solutions."
The company will immediately expand its engineering and defense teams to accelerate R&D, testing, and deployment. The enhanced ZenaDrone 1000 will feature real-time threat detection and neutralization capabilities, making it a viable solution for military, national security, and critical infrastructure protection operations.
The recent executive order, one of two landmark policy directives announced on June 6, 2025, provides a boost to U.S. drone companies by spurring demand for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (Counter-UAS) technologies, establishing federal standards necessary for safe airspace integration, and prioritizing U.S.-made systems over foreign alternatives.
The ZenaDrone 1000 is a multi-role, artificial intelligence (AI) powered autonomous drone that is a 12x7 foot rotary-wing octocopter designed for commercial applications including surveillance, inspection, and precision agriculture, as well as defense. It features a patented folding wing design, can carry up to 40 kg or 88 lbs of payload, and can fly for up to an hour before recharging in its docking station. It can be equipped with a variety of thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors to enable real-time ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), border patrol, and other defense applications.
About ZenaTech
ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) is a technology company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), SaaS enterprise solutions, and quantum computing for mission-critical enterprise applications. Since 2017, the company has leveraged its software development expertise and expanded its drone design and manufacturing capabilities through ZenaDrone, with the goal of innovating and improving inspection, monitoring, security, compliance, and surveying processes for customers. With enterprise software customers using branded solutions in law enforcement, healthcare, government, and industrial sectors, and drones deployed in these sectors as well as agriculture, defense, and logistics, ZenaTech’s solution portfolio helps drive exceptional operational efficiencies, accuracy, and cost savings. The company operates through seven global offices in North America, Europe, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates, and is developing a DaaS business model and a global partner network.
About ZenaDrone
ZenaDrone , a wholly owned subsidiary of ZenaTech, develops and manufactures autonomous enterprise drone solutions that can incorporate machine learning software, AI, predictive modeling, quantum computing, and other software and hardware innovations. Created to revolutionize the hemp cultivation sector, its specialization has expanded to multifunctional drone solutions for industrial surveillance, monitoring, inspection, tracking, process automation, and defense applications. Currently, the ZenaDrone 1000 drone is used for crop management applications in agriculture and critical field cargo applications in the defense sector, the IQ Nano indoor drone is used for inventory management and security in the warehousing and logistics sectors, and the IQ Square is an indoor/outdoor drone designed for surveying and inspections in the commercial and defense sectors.